Although loss is a universal experience, how people of different cultures and subcultures accommodate it can be surprisingly diverse.  In this module, we consider several of these variations, noting ethnic differences in grieving styles as a function of several factors, such as religious world views, individualistic vs. collectivist values, socioeconomic resources, exposure to violence, access to health care, and systemic racism.  Throughout, we will focus on how such factors manifest themselves in the context of end-of-life care and bereavement, balancing a consideration of cultural risks and resources that call for understanding and cultural humility in addressing special needs at times of vulnerable life transitions.

​

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Identify practices of African American culture that shape grief and post-loss adjustments;

• Identify three practical ways of providing support to African Americans that is culturally sensitive;

• Summarize the cultural relevance of African American history and rituals related to grief experiences;

• Understand the common characteristics among Asian families and their implications to death and dying situations; and

• Learn an intra-interpersonal framework for both pre-death and post-death support.

​

​Note:  Completion of this program and return of the Responsive Journal satisfies 1 Orientation Module required for Certification in Grief Therapy as Meaning Reconstruction or Certification in Family-Focused Grief Therapy.

​

PROGRAM CONTENT

This program contains the following video segments:

1. All in the Family:  An African American Perspective (36 mins)

2. Eat, Love, Pray:  Practicing Cultural Sensitivity (36 mins)

3. Culturally Attuned Conversations:  An Asian Perspective (49 mins)

4. An Intra- and Inter-Personal Framework for Support:  Before and After the Death (48 mins)

​​

COURSE PACK CONTAINS...

• A PDF copy of the presentation slides​;

• A conversation guide on Talking and Not Talking; and

• The Responsive Journal that, upon completion and return, confers 1 credit of Orientation Module leading to Certification in Grief Therapy as Meaning Reconstruction or Certification in Family-Focused Grief Therapy.