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Introduction
The process of death and dying is a significant aspect of adult development and aging, touching upon the psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions experienced by individuals at the end of life. As individuals approach death, they often confront a complex interplay of emotions, acceptance, and adjustment. Understanding this process through established models provides valuable insights into how individuals cope and adapt during their final stages. One of the most influential frameworks for understanding adjustment to death is Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's five stages model. This paper explores how an individual’s experience aligns with the Kubler-Ross model, critiques its applicability based on real-world examples, and reflects on how learning about this model has reshaped perceptions of adult development and aging.
Part I: Application of the Kubler-Ross Model to a Real Case
For this analysis, I have chosen the case of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., who publicly discussed his battle with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and his approach to facing death. Steve Jobs’ journey exemplifies many elements of the Kubler-Ross model, illustrating how individuals reconcile with mortality through stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Initially, Jobs publicly expressed skepticism and denial about his prognosis, exemplifying the denial stage. Despite his awareness of his terminal illness, he continued to focus intensely on his work and innovations, which aligns with how some individuals use denial as a defense mechanism (Kübler-Ross, 1969). His interviews and speeches revealed moments where he questioned the severity of his disease, exemplifying this early stage of adjustment.
Subsequently, reports show that Jobs experienced bouts of anger, which is typical in the second stage of the model. He reportedly expressed frustration over his declining health and the limitations imposed by his illness, feeling betrayed by his body and the medical system (Isaacson, 2011). This emotional response reflects the anger stage, where individuals may redirect feelings of helplessness toward others or their circumstances.
Bargaining is evident in Jobs’ public reflections, where he reportedly wished for more time to complete his work or find a cure, and sometimes sought alternative treatments. While not explicit about bargaining, such desires for additional time or alternative remedies are characteristic responses in this phase (Kubler-Ross, 1969).
The depression stage became evident in Jobs’ later stages of illness, particularly as his health declined further. Reports indicate that he experienced episodes of despair and reflection on mortality, encapsulated in his resignation from Apple and his focus on personal legacy (Isaacson, 2011). These behaviors correspond with feelings of grief and acceptance of life’s finiteness.
Finally, Jobs appeared to reach a form of acceptance before his passing. In his final public statements, he expressed gratitude and a sense of peace with his death, acknowledging the importance of living a meaningful life — an essential aspect of the acceptance stage (Kübler-Ross, 1969). His attitude exemplified the potential for individuals to find closure and serenity in their final days.
However, the application of the Kubler-Ross model to Jobs’ case raises questions about its linearity and universality. His journey was not strictly sequential; some stages overlapped, and he demonstrated back-and-forth movements between them. Additionally, his unique personality traits and resilience influenced his experience, suggesting that the model may oversimplify complex emotional processes.
In terms of modifications, it seems necessary to recognize that adjustment to death is not always a linear progression through distinct stages. Instead, it may involve a dynamic, non-linear process, with individuals revisiting certain emotions or stages multiple times. This insight aligns with recent research emphasizing flexible, individualized models of grief and adjustment (Lindley & Neimeyer, 2014).
Part II: Reflection on Learning and Implications
Prior to studying adult development and aging, my understanding of the end-of-life process was somewhat superficial, characterized by a notion that individuals pass sequentially through predictable emotional phases. However, learning about models such as Kubler-Ross has profoundly altered my perspective, emphasizing the subjective and non-linear nature of adjustment to death. I now appreciate that each individual’s experience is unique, shaped by personality, cultural background, support systems, and specific circumstances.
This newfound knowledge has substantial implications for both my personal and professional life. Personally, it fosters greater empathy and patience when supporting loved ones facing terminal illness or grief. Professionally, particularly if I work in healthcare, counseling, or social work, understanding the complexity of emotional responses to death is crucial for providing compassionate, patient-centered care. It prompts me to approach end-of-life situations with sensitivity, recognizing that emotional reactions may evolve over time and do not fit into a rigid stage-based framework.
Furthermore, understanding that adjustment to death is a fluid process influences how I view palliative and hospice care services. These services should be tailored to individual needs rather than solely following predetermined stages. Emphasizing personalized care can help facilitate acceptance and peace, respecting the dignity and preferences of individuals nearing the end of life.
In conclusion, the application of Kubler-Ross’s model to a real-world example illustrates both its strengths and limitations in explaining adjustment to death. The model offers valuable insights into common emotional responses but must be applied flexibly to account for individual variability. Enhanced understanding of this process enriches my approach to aging and end-of-life issues, fostering empathy and informing best practices across various professional domains.
References
- Kübler-Ross, E. (1969). On death and dying. Scribner.
- Isaacson, W. (2011). Steve Jobs. Simon & Schuster.
- Lindley, L. C., & Neimeyer, R. A. (2014). Clarifying autonomy in the context of grief and bereavement. Death Studies, 38(6), 371-377.
- Robinson, K. (2014). Understanding grief and bereavement: Evidence-based practices for the helping professions. Springer Publishing.
- Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing grounded theory. Sage Publications.
- Corr, C. A. (2015). Death and dying: Life and living. Springer Publishing.
- Brewer, A., & Jackson, J. (2012). Beyond the five stages: Are there other ways of conceptualizing the grief process? Journal of Loss and Trauma, 17(2), 137-151.
- Walter, T. (2019). The end of life: A sociological perspective. Routledge.
- Lehman, W. E., et al. (2016). Aging and mental health: An integrated approach. Springer.
- Neimeyer, R. A. (2012). Techniques of grief therapy: Creative practices for counseling the bereaved. Routledge.