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The Loss Of A Loved One Essay

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The loss of a loved one is a very crucial time where an individual can experience depression, somatic symptoms, grief, and sadness. What will be discussed throughout this paper is what the bereavement role is and its duration, as well as the definition of disenfranchised grief and who experiences this type of grief. I will also touch upon the four tasks of mourning and how each bereaved individual must accomplish all four tasks before mourning can be finalized. Lastly, with each of these topics, nursing implications will be outlined on how to care for bereaved individuals and their families. The Bereavement Role The bereavement role is defined as temporary in duration and allows the bereaved to be excused from daily responsibilities, to be dependent on others , and adjust to life after the death of a loved one (Leming & Dickinson, 2016, p. 492). The bereavement role can also be seen, for example, when individuals play into the “sick role” (Leming & Dickinson, 2016, p.492). When individuals are sick, they are excused from certain responsibilities for a brief period of time. This can be the same outlook for the bereavement role. Other studies suggest the definition of the bereavement role as a “state of suffering or loss” (Hashim, Eng, Tohit & Wahab, 2013). When an individual is placed in this role due to the death of a loved one, the bereaved individual turns to others for emotional support and gives up their control of responsibilities to others (Leming & Dickinson, 2016,

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