Exploring the Connection Between End-of-Life Relational Communication and Personal Growth After the Death of a Loved One

2020 ◽  
pp. 003022282091531
Author(s):  
Mark A. Generous ◽  
Maureen P. Keeley
Keyword(s):  
Personal Growth ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Relational Communication ◽  
Current Investigation ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Everyday Talk ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Terminal Diagnosis ◽  
Survey Analyses

The purpose of the current investigation was to examine associations between final conversations (FCs; i.e., relational communication with a terminally ill individual from the moment of terminal diagnosis to death) with the outcome of personal growth (PG). A total of 236 individuals who had previously engaged in FCs with a deceased loved one participated in an online survey. Analyses revealed significant, positive associations between the six FCs factors (i.e., messages of love, messages of spirituality/religion, messages of identity, everyday talk and routine interactions, difficult relationship talk, and instrumental death talk) with the PG factors. Implications are discussed along with limitations and future directions.

Suicide-Bereaved Individuals’ Attitudes Toward Therapists

Crisis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin F. Ward-Ciesielski ◽  
Madeline D. Wielgus ◽  
Connor B. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Time Of Death ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Important Group ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Suicide Bereaved ◽  
Research Domain

Background: Suicide-bereaved individuals represent an important group impacted by suicide. Understanding their experiences following the suicide of a loved one is an important research domain, despite receiving limited attention. Although suicide-bereaved individuals may benefit from mental health treatment, their attitudes toward therapy and therapists are poorly understood. Aims: The present study aimed to understand the extent to which bereaved individuals’ attitudes toward therapy and therapists are impacted by whether their loved one was in therapy at the time of death. Method: Suicide-bereaved individuals (N = 243) from the United States were recruited to complete an online survey about their experience with and attitudes toward therapy and therapists following the suicide of a loved one. Results: Bereaved individuals whose loved one was in therapy at the time of death (N = 48, 19.8%) reported more negative and less positive attitudes toward the treating therapist than those whose loved one was not in therapy at the time of death (N = 81, 33.3%) or whose loved one was never in therapy/the deceased’s therapy status was unknown (N = 114, 46.9%). Conclusion: The deceased’s involvement with a therapist appears to be an important factor impacting the experience of bereaved individuals and should be considered when attempting to engage these individuals in postvention.

Would you Make the Right Decision? – Decision Making Biases in Economy - Related Dilemmas

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-66
Author(s):  
Zsuzsanna Gödör ◽  
Georgina Szabó
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Framing Effect ◽  
Economic Knowledge ◽  
Bank Account ◽  
Financial Decisions ◽  
Hungarian Population ◽  
The Moment ◽  
The Right ◽  
Decision Making Biases

Abstract As they say, money can’t buy happiness. However, the lack of it can make people’s lives much harder. From the moment we open our first bank account, we have to make lots of financial decisions in our life. Should I save some money or should I spend it? Is it a good idea to ask for a loan? How to invest my money? When we make such decisions, unfortunately we sometimes make mistakes, too. In this study, we selected seven common decision making biases - anchoring and adjustment, overconfidence, high optimism, the law of small numbers, framing effect, disposition effect and gambler’s fallacy – and tested them on the Hungarian population via an online survey. In the focus of our study was the question whether the presence of economic knowledge helps people make better decisions? The decision making biases found in literature mostly appeared in the sample as well. It proves that people do apply them when making decisions and in certain cases this could result in serious and costly errors. That’s why it would be absolutely important for people to learn about them, thus increasing their awareness and attention when making decisions. Furthermore, in our research we did find some connection between decisions and the knowledge of economics, people with some knowledge of economics opted for the better solution in bigger proportion

Posttraumatic Growth and Bereavement

2016 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew B. Lumb ◽  
Myriam Beaudry ◽  
Celine Blanchard
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cognitive Appraisals ◽  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Controlled Motivation ◽  
Task Oriented

No research drawing from Self-Determination Theory has investigated the bereavement experience of individuals or how motivation can help facilitate posttraumatic growth (PTG) following the death of a loved one. In two cross-sectional studies, university students completed an online survey. Study 1 investigated the contribution of global autonomous and controlled motivation in statistically predicting PTG above and beyond previously researched correlates. Study 2 explored the mediating role of cognitive appraisals and coping in explaining the relationship between global motivation orientations and PTG. Results indicated that in comparison to controlled motivation, autonomous motivation was positively related PTG, even after controlling for previously researched correlates. Mediation results indicated an indirect effect of global autonomous motivation on PTG through task-oriented coping. Collectively, these findings suggest the importance of incorporating motivation into models of PTG. Clinical implications of these findings are also discussed.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Patient’s Decision about Bariatric Surgery: Results of a National Survey

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (8) ◽  
pp. 756
Author(s):  
Maciej Walędziak ◽  
Anna Różańska-Walędziak ◽  
Paweł Bartnik ◽  
Joanna Kacperczyk-Bartnik ◽  
Andrzej Kwiatkowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Weight Loss Surgery ◽  
General Information ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Bariatric Patients ◽  
The Moment ◽  
The Impact

Background: the COVID-19 pandemic and the implemented restrictions have changed the functioning of healthcare systems worldwide. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of the present epidemiological situation on patients’ decisions about undergoing weight loss surgery. Methods: data were collected from 906 bariatric patients by the means of a national online survey, the majority of whom were women (87.9%). The survey started on 9 April 2020 and was open until 28 April 2020. The questionnaire included multiple choice and open questions, divided into three chapters: general information about the patient, life during the COVID-19 pandemic, and bariatric care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: despite the pandemic and the associated risk of COVID-19 infection, 443 responders (48.9%) would have decided to undergo bariatric surgery. Awareness of the negative impact of obesity on the course of COVID-19 illness had only marginable impact on patients’ decision-making (76.6% vs. 75.3%; p < 0.80). Contact with COVID-19 prior to the survey had a negative impact on the willingness to undergo bariatric surgery (3.0% vs. 4.4%; p < 0.55). There was a positive correlation between the BMI and preference for bariatric surgery in the time of the pandemic (37.4 ± 9.0 vs. 34.9 ± 8.7; p < 0.001). Conclusions: the level of awareness about the advantages of operative treatment of obesity is high among bariatric patients. The majority of patients awaiting bariatric surgery at the moment of the survey were positive about undergoing bariatric surgery despite the increased risk of a serious course of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, a large proportion of patients was determined to have bariatric treatment even during the pandemic, being aware of the increased risk of worse pace of COVID-19 disease in case of obesity and related diseases.

scholarly journals Lane Change Behavior on Freeways: An Online Survey Using Video Clips

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. L. Knoop ◽  
M. Keyvan-Ekbatani ◽  
M. de Baat ◽  
H. Taale ◽  
S. P. Hoogendoorn
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Lane Changes ◽  
The Road ◽  
Video Clips ◽  
Road Capacity ◽  
Change Behavior ◽  
Instrumented Vehicle ◽  
The Moment ◽  
The Right

Freeways form an important part of the road network. Yet, driving behavior on freeways, in particular lane changes and the relation with the choice of speed, is not well understood. To overcome this, an online survey has been carried out. Drivers were shown video clips, and after each clip they had to indicate what they would do after the moment the video stopped. A total of 1258 Dutch respondents completed the survey. The results show that most people have a strategy to choose a speed first and stick to that, which is the first strategy. A second, less often chosen, strategy is to choose a desired lane and adapt the speed based on the chosen lane. A third strategy, slightly less frequently chosen, is that drivers have a desired speed, but contrary to the first strategy, they increase this speed when they are in a different lane overtaking another driver. A small fraction have neither a desired speed nor a desired lane. Of the respondents 80% use the right lane if possible, and 80% avoid overtaking at the right. Also 80% give way to merging traffic. The survey was validated by 25 survey respondents also driving an instrumented vehicle. The strategies in this drive were similar to those in the survey. The findings of this work can be implemented in traffic simulation models, e.g., to determine road capacity and constraints in geometric design.

scholarly journals Achieving employee support during the COVID-19 pandemic – the role of relational and informational crisis communication in Austrian organizations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Einwiller ◽  
Christopher Ruppel ◽  
Julia Stranzl
Keyword(s):  
Crisis Communication ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Relational Communication ◽  
Job Engagement ◽  
Organizational Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Crises

PurposeBased on social exchange theory, the study examines the influence of informational and relational internal communication on cognitive and affective responses and job engagement during organizational crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by means of an online survey among people working in organizations with a minimum of 10 employees (N = 1,033) and analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsResults show that informational and relational communication as organizational resources have a significant but distinct influence on how employees support their employer during the crisis. While informational communication influences employees' acceptance of managerial decisions, relational communication exerts most influence on affective commitment, which is the strongest driver of job engagement.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross-sectional design, specific crisis situation and geographic location are limitations of the study.Practical implicationsDelivering relevant information to employees quickly and reliably is important. Yet, relationship-oriented communication that demonstrates appreciation and allows for participation has even stronger effects on job engagement, which is essential to mastering challenges arising from a crisis.Social implicationsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations demanded much from their employees. In exchange, organizations should provide the resources information, status and love (Foa and Foa, 1980) by means of internal crisis communication.Originality/valueThe study demonstrates the role of different types of internal communication during organizational crises used to convey organizational resources, and it highlights the mediating role of acceptance and commitment to enhance employees' engagement at work.

Jumping to conclusions

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peggy D. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Social Skills ◽  
Professional Relationships ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Jumping To Conclusions ◽  
Good Morning ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Missed Opportunity ◽  
As If

He walks down the hall toward you. You are the only two in the hallway. You look at him, ready to smile and offer a cheery “Good morning!” With eyes downcast, he walks by you as if you are not there. What is your reaction? • Indignation. “Who does he think he is, not bothering to even look at me?” • Irritation. “Why can’t he make the effort to say a simple hello?” • Superiority. “With such poor social skills, he shouldn’t even be a teacher.” • Meanness. Silently you smirk at his indifference, eager to tell co- workers about this perceived slight. • Affirmation. “I knew he didn’t like me, and since no one is around, he doesn’t even pretend!” • Anger. “How dare he act so superior!” It may be a challenge to interpret this scene as anything but snob­bery or poor manners. Yet the same curiosity and compassion that help us determine what our students need in order to learn can serve us well with other adults. The illusion in this scenario is our belief that we know the reason for another’s behaviors. The pitfall of this conclusion is the missed opportunity to wonder with good intentions. The risk to professional relationships is the narrow labeling of another’s behaviors and personalizing their intent. Asking ourselves “What else could it be?” implies that we have the power and presence of mind to press the pause button to offer a broader palette of possibilities. • Is he preoccupied with an upcoming meeting? • Is he concerned about a loved one? • Is he mentally preparing for his first class? • Is he an introvert who is much more comfortable keeping to himself than offering easy banter or automatic greetings? Why not be your best by offering a warm greeting to him with no expectation for receiving one in return? When faced with puzzling behaviors, we can avoid jumping to conclusions. We can take a moment, have a second thought. This opening of possibility offers a moment of grace to ourselves and our co- workers. We choose to suspend judgment for the good of the moment and for nourishing goodwill in schools.

scholarly journals Does the public feel prepared to be substitute decision-makers? Gaps in preparedness and support for a high school curriculum: a national survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael K Y Wong ◽  
Mengzhu Jiang ◽  
Maria Cassandre Medor ◽  
Katerina Yelle Labre ◽  
Jason R Frank ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
High School Curriculum ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Values And Beliefs ◽  
Substitute Decision Makers

Abstract Background Substitute decision-makers (SDMs) make decisions on behalf of patients who do not have capacity, in line with previously expressed wishes, values and beliefs. However, miscommunications and poor awareness of previous wishes often lead to inappropriate care. Increasing public preparedness to communicate on behalf of loved ones may improve care in patients requiring an SDM. Methods We conducted an online survey in January 2019 with a representative sample of the Canadian population. The primary outcome was self-reported preparedness to be an SDM. The secondary outcome was support for a high school curriculum on the role of SDMs. The effect of socio-demographics, known enablers and barriers to acting as an SDM, and attitudes towards a high school curriculum were assessed using multivariate analysis. Results Of 1,000 participants, 53.1% felt prepared to be an SDM, and 75.4% stated they understood their loved one’s values. However, only 55.6% reported having had a meaningful conversation with their loved one about values and wishes, and only 61.7% reported understanding the SDM role. Engagement in advance care planning for oneself was low (23.1%). Age, experience, training and comfort with communication were associated with preparedness in our multivariate analysis. A high school curriculum was supported by 61.1% of respondents, with 28.3% neutral and 10.6% against it. Interpretation There is a gap between perceived and actual preparedness to be an SDM. Many report understanding their loved one’s values yet have not asked them about wishes in illness or end of life. The majority of respondents support high school education to improve preparedness.

Loss in the Life Story: Remembering Death and Illness Across Adulthood

2019 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily L. Mroz ◽  
Susan Bluck ◽  
Shubam Sharma ◽  
Hsiao-wen Liao
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Psychosocial Outcomes ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Life Event ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Positive View ◽  
Loss Event

The experience of loss has not often been studied in the life story literature. Life disruption when loss of a loved one occurs may make loss events distinct, even from other challenges, when recalled. Optimally, individuals incorporate such events into their life story in a way that allows them to reflect positively on their life overall. We suggest that telling narratives that represent loss as leading to personal growth or as highlighting one’s connectedness to others may allow a positive view of life overall. In contrast, ruminating may signal a lack of meaningful integration of the event. The current study investigates personal growth from, communion in, and rumination about memories of past loss events. It also determines how these factors relate to positive reflection on one’s life overall. Age was explored as a moderator of these relations. Participants (29 younger adults, 40 older adults) narrated an autobiographical loss event and, for comparison, a non-loss challenging life event and a neutral event. Narratives were self-rated for rumination and extent of resultant personal growth, and reliably content-coded for themes of communion. Participants also completed a measure of positive reflection on their life. Loss narratives resulted in more personal growth and contained more communion themes than other challenging or neutral events. Greater loss-related personal growth predicted more positive life reflection for younger adults. How individuals recall and incorporate loss into their life story may relate differentially to psychosocial outcomes in different life phases.

scholarly journals Family Oncology Caregivers and Relational Health Literacy

Challenges ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joy Goldsmith ◽  
Sachiko Terui
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Management Process ◽  
Relational Health ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Caregiver Health ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
The U.S

Nearly one-third of the U.S. population provides unpaid, informal caregiving to a loved one or friend. Caregiver health literacy involves a complex set of actions and decisions, all shaped by communication. Existing definitions depict health literacy as individuals’ skills in obtaining, understanding, communicating, and applying health information to successfully navigate the health management process. One of the major problems with existing definitions of health literacy is that it disproportionately places responsibilities of health literacy on patients and caregivers. In this conceptual piece, we define and introduce a new model of Relational Health Literacy (RHL) that emphasizes the communicative aspects of health literacy among all stakeholders (patients, caregivers, providers, systems, and communities) and how communication functions as a pathway or barrier in co-creating health care and health management processes. Future directions and recommendations for model development are described.

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