Understanding the Grief Cycle

Introduction Activity

Families are Interconnected

When things are

going well…

Teach ing R esearch M odels, M onm outh, O R 97361 Ju l9 2 -8

C o m p en sa tio n M od e l

T R IP M o d e l L e c tu re s F a m ily In v o lv e m e n t O p tio a n l O H # 1 aN :/tra in /trip /graph ics /sec t-11 /Ju l9 2 -8

Families are Interconnected

When things are

out of balance…

Teaching R esearch M odels, M onm outh, O R 97361 J u l9 2 -9

C o m p en sa tio n M o d e l

T R IP M o d e l L e c tu re s F a m ily In v o lv e m e n t O p tio n a l O H # 1 bN :/tra in /trip /graph ic s /sec t-11 /Ju l9 2 -9

Source: Jeanne Mendoza, Ph.D., (1989) SEARCH: Exploring the Systems of Family Support.San Diego State University, Special Education Department. San Diego, CA.

The Good Grief cycle

Family Consultant Training Section 3/Family Systems & EcologySep96-22.cdr

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

89

10 11

ShockHandicap is

diagnosed

DenialNot me!

DepressionI can't go on...what's the use?

GuiltIf only I'dnot takenpills, etc.

ShameWhat will

peoplethink?

IsolationI must protect

my childfrom people.

PanicWhat will

happen to mychild? Whatwill I do?

AngerWhy me?

BargainingJust let me getthrough this....then no more

please!

HopePerhaps we

will getthrough this.

AcceptanceThere will be

days filled withanger and grief

and days when Iwill feel strength.

Shock

Occurs when the child is first diagnosed

and may reoccur as new problems are

identified or as the child misses

developmental milestones.

Depression

The family may be unable to deal with

people offering help or advice.

Denial

The family may not be ready to discuss

the disability.They may blame others for

the problem.

Guilt, Shame, Isolation

The family may avoid friends, and service

providers. They may want to protect and

isolate their child.

Panic

The family may get on an endless round

of looking for a cure for the disability.

Anger

The family may lash out at caregivers

over minor things like lost clothing.

Hope and Bargaining

The family may be willing to work with

providers to develop some workable

alternatives for their child, but may only

be able to deal with certain issues.

Acceptance

The family may be at a point where they

understand that their will be good and

bad days in how they feel about their

child.

Activity 4.3 Quiz on Grief Cycle

With a partner, complete the quiz in your

notebook.

Activity 4.4 View Videotape

Refer to your discussion guide as you watch this tape.

Coping Strategies

Passive Appraisal Reframing Spiritual Support Social Support Professional Support

Activity 4.5

What are the local resources for families in your community?

How can families locate them?