Human Development A Cultural Approach Chapter 13 Death

Human Development A Cultural Approach Chapter 13 Death and Afterlife Beliefs Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Physical Aspects of Death Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Figure 13. 1 Causes of Death in Massachusetts from the 1840 s–Present As infectious diseases were effectively prevented and treated, deaths due to heart disease and cancer increased. Source: Massachusetts Department of Public Health Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

The Demography of Death Major Cause of Death Today • One major cause of death is cardiovascular disease • Arteries that supply blood become narrow due to plaque build up § Symptom: - Angina Pectoris—severe pain in chest, neck and left arm - Can have a heart attack—weakness, dizziness, confusion, and shortness of breath Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

The Demography of Death Cardiovascular Disease • Men have higher rates of heart disease than women • African American rates high, Latino and Asian American lowest • Highest rates in eastern European countries and low in southern Europe • Risk factors include: Diet, cigarette smoking, and lack of exercise (obesity) Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

The Demography of Death Cancer • Occurs in later adulthood because cell replication becomes less efficient as people age • Symptoms vary but can include weight loss, fatigue, and weakness Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

The Demography of Death Cancer • Cancer is more common among men than women • Risk factors include: smoking, diet, excessive alcohol use, and chronic exposure to sunlight • Strongly genetic and consequence of aging Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Beyond Death: The Sources of Aging • Aging impacted by cellular clock • Cell replication is limited—Hayflick limit • Limitation caused by the telomere § Each replication shortens the telomere which impacts life expectancy • Regulating telomeres is a way to extend Hayflick limit • Preventing free radicals through antioxidants may also impact aging Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Beyond Death Can Aging Be Reversed? • Growth hormone—can increase muscle mass and bone density • DHEA-hormone involved in muscle growth § No clear benefit as yet • Reduced caloric intake has had some positive results Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Sociocultural and Emotional Responses to Death Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

The Sociocultural Contexts of Death Where We Die • In developing countries most die at home • In developed countries only 20% die at home • Many prefer to die in comfort but in developed countries that is a challenge due to causes of illness Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

The Sociocultural Contexts of Death Where We Die • Hospitals can provide care but more impersonal • Increased chance of loneliness, fear, and untreated pain Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

The Sociocultural Contexts of Death Options Regarding the End of Life • Hospice care—Addresses needs of individuals with 6 months or less to live § Palliative care—relieve pain and suffering § Takes place at home § Provides medical, psychological, and spiritual counseling § Housekeeping support Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

The Sociocultural Contexts of Death Options Regarding the End of Life • Euthanasia means “good death” § Passive euthanasia—ceasing medical interventions § Active euthanasia—ceasing treatment and taking steps to encourage death § Can be difficult to determine the distinction between the two § Passive is legal in most countries while active is not Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

The Sociocultural Contexts of Death Options Regarding the End of Life • Advanced directive gives written instructions concerning end of life care § Can include a living will specifying treatments to be done or not done § Can include a Do Not Resuscitate provision and health care proxy § May not always be followed Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Bereavement and Grief Emotional Arc of Grief • Bereavement is experiencing the loss of a loved one • Grief is the intense psychological response that accompanies bereavement • Grief responses change over time Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Bereavement and Grief Variations in Grieving • Parents’ death can place children at risk for depression • A child’s death can increase divorce risk • A spouse’s death can increase risk of mortality of surviving spouse • Sudden deaths evoke more intense grief than anticipated deaths Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Bereavement and Grief Confronting Death • Elizabeth Kubler-Ross proposed five stages in response to death § Denial—refuse to believe diagnoses § Anger—it is not fair § Bargaining—towards God or other spiritual entity § Depression—death is near § Acceptance—peace Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Bereavement and Grief Confronting Death • Limitations of theory include: § Not all go through five stages § Missing fear as a response § Lack of cultural context Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Beliefs About Death and the Afterlife Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Beliefs About Death Throughout the Life Span Beliefs in Childhood and Adolescence • Young children understand death is permanent but not inevitable § Understanding may be limited due to adults euphemisms referring to death • Adolescents understand death and beliefs are more abstract Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Beliefs About Death Throughout the Life Span Beliefs in Adulthood • Death anxiety is highest in emerging adulthood § Due to plans and goals still to accomplish • Death anxiety is lowest in late adulthood § Due to life review and expectation of death Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Beliefs About Death Throughout the Life Span Beliefs in Adulthood • Anxiety is lowest in those with strongest religious faith • Anxiety is highest in people who are unsure of religious belief Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Beliefs About Death Throughout the Life Span Beliefs in Adulthood • Beliefs about death also change throughout adulthood • Young adulthood focuses on fear for one’s child • Middle adulthood may tend to reexamine life • Late adulthood are familiar with death and may talk about it Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals Afterlife Beliefs in the Major Religions • Death not the end in most religions • Morality in life is reflected in the afterlife § Reincarnation status or Heaven/Hell • Differences in ritual and funeral observances Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals Individual Beliefs About Life After Death Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Table 13. 1 Americans’ Belief in an Afterlife Responses to the question: “Do you believe in life after death? ” Source: U. S. Religious Landscape Survey, Pew Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, © 2008, Pew Research Center. http: //religions. pewforum. org/ Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals of the Major Religions • Ritual is important for Hinduism which include § Bathing the body with holy water and draped with white cloth § Sprinkling rice on mouth § Cremation with only men present § Ashes are scattered and on 31 st day, a memorial service is held Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals of the Major Religions • Buddhism rituals include: § § § Presence of monks is important Bathing ceremony after death Cremation Feast held on day of cremation Continual prayers performed by monks Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals of the Major Religions • Judaism tends to have a community of volunteers § § Body is washed and purified Body is dried and wrapped in linen Laid to rest with no coffin Family members enter 7 day mourning period followed by a second 30 day period Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals of the Major Religions • Two major mourning traditions in Christianity § Catholic—anointing of the sick, followed by a vigil, and a requiem mass is held § Protestant—may have a funeral service which includes a eulogy • Protestant less ritualized than Catholic tradition Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals of the Major Religions • Islamic rituals include: § Gathering near deathbed reciting the Koran § Body is bathed and burial takes place shortly after death § Cremation is forbidden § Body laid on right side facing Mecca § Three day mourning period with wives mourning for 4 months and 10 days Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett

Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning Rituals Honoring the Dead • Hindu—year anniversary of death the deceased favorite food is prepared • Buddhist—ancestor worship • Jewish—Yahrezit candle lit for 24 hours and prayer recited 3 times • Christian—three-day period called All Hallows Eve • Muslims—visit graves, show respect, and offer prayers Human Development: A Cultural Approach Jeffrey Jensen Arnett