human development: a cultural approach jeffrey jensen arnett human development a cultural approach...
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Human Development: A Cultural ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Human DevelopmentHuman DevelopmentA Cultural ApproachA Cultural Approach
Chapter
Death and Afterlife Beliefs
13
Human Development: A Cultural ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Figure 13.1 Causes of Death in Massachusetts from the 1840s–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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
The Demography of DeathMajor 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
The Demography of DeathCardiovascular 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
The Demography of DeathCancer
• 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
The Demography of DeathCancer
• 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 ApproachJeffrey 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Beyond DeathCan 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Sociocultural and Emotional Responses to Death
Human Development: A Cultural ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
The Sociocultural Contexts of DeathWhere 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
The Sociocultural Contexts of DeathWhere We Die
• Hospitals can provide care but more impersonal
• Increased chance of loneliness, fear, and untreated pain
Human Development: A Cultural ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
The Sociocultural Contexts of DeathOptions 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
The Sociocultural Contexts of DeathOptions 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
The Sociocultural Contexts of DeathOptions 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Bereavement and GriefEmotional 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Bereavement and GriefVariations 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Bereavement and GriefConfronting 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Bereavement and GriefConfronting Death
• Limitations of theory include: Not all go through five stages Missing fear as a response Lack of cultural context
Human Development: A Cultural ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Beliefs About Death Throughout the Life SpanBeliefs 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Beliefs About Death Throughout the Life SpanBeliefs 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Beliefs About Death Throughout the Life SpanBeliefs 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Beliefs About Death Throughout the Life SpanBeliefs 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning RitualsAfterlife 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning RitualsIndividual Beliefs About Life After Death
Human Development: A Cultural ApproachJeffrey 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning RitualsMourning 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 31st day, a
memorial service is held
Human Development: A Cultural ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning RitualsMourning 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning RitualsMourning 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning RitualsMourning 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning RitualsMourning 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 ApproachJeffrey Jensen Arnett
Afterlife Beliefs and Mourning RitualsHonoring 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