Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 14, 2026
06:42
Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
12.1K
The roller coaster of preparation for death
Jhon Henry Osorio Castaño1, Luz Estella Varela Londoño1
1Professor, Nursing Faculty. Universidad of Antioquia. Medellín, Colombia.
International Journal of Palliative Nursing
|October 27, 2025
Summary
Family caregivers preparing for a loved one's death undergo emotional challenges. Despite preparation, many still feel unprepared for the end-of-life transition and subsequent grief.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- End-of-life caregiving is a significant role transition for family members.
- Preparing for a family member's death is a critical aspect of this transition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of family caregivers preparing for the death of a significant other with a chronic illness.
- To understand the multifaceted nature of anticipatory grief and preparation in end-of-life caregiving.
Main Methods:
- Grounded theory methodology was employed to capture the subjective experiences of participants.
- Data collection involved purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved.
- Qualitative data analysis utilized open, axial, and selective coding techniques.
Main Results:
- Four key categories emerged: encounter with the disease, caregiver relationship dynamics, the process of departure, and the development of new meanings.
- Caregivers described their preparation journey as emotionally turbulent, with significant ups and downs.
- Despite efforts to prepare, a substantial number of participants reported feeling inadequately prepared for the death.
Conclusions:
- Anticipatory grief and preparation for death are complex processes for family caregivers.
- While some aspects of preparation can be beneficial, current support systems may not fully address caregivers' needs.
- Further research and support are needed to better equip family caregivers for end-of-life transitions.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Kubler Ross's Stages of Dying
1.1K
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross significantly advanced psychology's understanding of the process of dying with her influential book, On Death and Dying (1969). She focused on studying terminally ill individuals and outlined five stages commonly experienced when coping with death: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from...
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from...
1.1K
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
472
Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
472
01:09Preparedness and Phobias
316
Human fear responses to certain stimuli, such as darkness, heights, deep water, and blood, can often arise despite the absence of direct negative experiences. This phenomenon is rooted in evolutionary psychology, which posits that humans have developed a predisposition to fear stimuli that historically posed significant survival threats. This predisposition, known as preparedness, suggests that early humans who developed a fear of potentially dangerous entities, such as venomous snakes and...
316
01:17Bonanno's Theory of Grieving
822
Grieving is a complex psychological and emotional process that varies significantly among individuals. George Bonanno's research on bereavement identified four distinct patterns of grieving, offering a nuanced understanding of how people cope with significant loss, such as the death of a spouse, over extended periods. These patterns — resilience, recovery, chronic dysfunction, and delayed grief — highlight the diversity in emotional responses and adaptive mechanisms.
Resilience
Resilience
822
01:27Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood
786
Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development outlines a series of stages through which individuals progress across the lifespan. Each stage involves a psychosocial conflict that significantly influences personal growth and well-being. Three key stages — intimacy versus isolation, generativity versus stagnation, and integrity versus despair — highlight the developmental challenges faced in adulthood.
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early...
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early...
786
01:20Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused
430
Emotion-focused coping refers to a set of strategies aimed at managing the emotional impact of stressors, rather than directly addressing their causes. This approach involves altering one's emotional response to stressful situations to reduce their psychological effects. For example, individuals might talk with a friend or engage in activities like journaling to express their feelings. Such actions can help achieve emotional clarity or release, providing the psychological stability needed...
430