BCC Grief, Bereavement, and Loss in Chaplaincy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which theorist introduced the concept of 'tasks of mourning' as an alternative to stage-based grief models?
- Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
- William Worden (Correct answer)
- John Bowlby
- Colin Murray Parkes
Correct answer: William Worden
William Worden proposed four tasks of mourning—accepting the reality of loss, processing grief pain, adjusting to a world without the deceased, and finding an enduring connection—as an active, task-oriented alternative to passive stage models.
Question 2: A chaplain is supporting a family whose loved one died unexpectedly. Which type of grief is this family most likely experiencing?
- Anticipatory grief
- Disenfranchised grief
- Traumatic or sudden grief (Correct answer)
- Complicated grief disorder
Correct answer: Traumatic or sudden grief
Traumatic or sudden grief occurs when death is unexpected, leaving survivors without preparation time, often intensifying shock and disorientation.
Question 3: Disenfranchised grief, as described by Kenneth Doka, refers to grief that is:
- Unresolved after two years
- Not openly acknowledged or publicly mourned (Correct answer)
- Caused by anticipating a future loss
- Experienced only by children
Correct answer: Not openly acknowledged or publicly mourned
Doka defined disenfranchised grief as loss that is not openly acknowledged, publicly mourned, or socially supported, such as grief over a pet, a secret relationship, or a stigmatized death.
Question 4: In Kübler-Ross's model, which stage involves the dying person making 'deals' with God or medical providers to extend life?
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining (Correct answer)
- Depression
Correct answer: Bargaining
In the bargaining stage, individuals attempt to negotiate—often with a higher power or medical team—seeking more time or a reversal of the situation in exchange for promises.
Question 5: A chaplain notices a bereaved spouse shows little outward grief six months after loss, then experiences intense grief on the one-year anniversary. This illustrates which phenomenon?
- Anticipatory grief
- Anniversary reactions (Correct answer)
- Prolonged grief disorder
- Inhibited grief
Correct answer: Anniversary reactions
Anniversary reactions are temporary resurgences of grief that occur around significant dates related to the deceased, such as the date of death, birthdays, or holidays.
Question 6: According to the Dual Process Model of bereavement (Stroebe & Schut), oscillation refers to:
- Alternating between denial and acceptance
- Moving back and forth between loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping (Correct answer)
- The cyclical stages of grief described by Kübler-Ross
- Shifting between individual and group grief support
Correct answer: Moving back and forth between loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping
The Dual Process Model describes healthy grieving as oscillating between loss-oriented coping (confronting grief) and restoration-oriented coping (attending to life changes), with both being necessary for adaptation.
Question 7: When providing bereavement follow-up, a chaplain should prioritize which of the following?
- Assuring the family their loved one is in a better place
- Assessing for complicated grief, suicidality, and available support systems (Correct answer)
- Sharing personal experiences of loss to build rapport
- Encouraging the bereaved to return to normal activities immediately
Correct answer: Assessing for complicated grief, suicidality, and available support systems
Bereavement follow-up should include assessment of grief complications, risk factors such as suicidality, and available support to ensure the bereaved receive appropriate care and referrals.
