Please Complete The Following Using The Text A) Discuss And ✓ Solved
Please complete the following: Using the text a) Discuss and
Please complete the following:
a) Discuss and describe the intrapersonal and the interpersonal domains concerning the sources of disenfranchised grief for youth.
b) Discuss the clinical implications of working with disenfranchised youth.
c) Discuss and describe how to address intrapsychic and interpersonal factors in practice with disenfranchised youth.
d) In practice, it is very important to be aware of our own personal beliefs and attitudes. How might your personal beliefs and attitudes affect your practice in terms of dealing with survivors of the different types of “stigmatized deaths?
Paper For Above Instructions
Disenfranchised grief refers to the type of grief that individuals experience when they suffer a loss that is not openly acknowledged or socially accepted. This phenomenon can be particularly pronounced among youth, who may face unique challenges in expressing and processing their grief. In this paper, we will discuss the intrapersonal and interpersonal domains concerning the sources of disenfranchised grief for youth, the clinical implications of working with these individuals, how to address intrapsychic and interpersonal factors in practice, and the role of personal beliefs and attitudes in dealing with survivors of stigmatized deaths.
Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Domains of Disenfranchised Grief
The intrapersonal domain of disenfranchised grief encompasses the internal processes that individuals undergo in response to loss. For youth, this may manifest in feelings of confusion, guilt, or isolation, as they navigate their emotional responses to a loss that may not be recognized or validated by those around them (Doka, 2002). The sources of this disenfranchised grief often stem from societal attitudes toward the type of loss experienced—such as suicide, overdose, or death related to stigma—and the resulting lack of support and acknowledgment.
In contrast, the interpersonal domain highlights the influence of social relationships and context in shaping the grieving process. Youth may feel pressure to conform to their peer group’s perceptions of loss and grief, leading to further isolation if their experience does not align with common social narratives (Rosenblatt, 2000). For example, a youth grieving the loss of a friend to suicide may struggle to find support if their social environment is unwilling to engage in discussions around mental health or stigmatized deaths. This lack of social support compounds their sense of disenfranchisement.
Clinical Implications of Working with Disenfranchised Youth
Working with disenfranchised youth in a clinical setting demands a nuanced understanding of their unique grief experiences. Clinicians must recognize that disenfranchised grief can lead to long-term psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, and complicated grief disorders (Lehman et al., 2000). It is essential for practitioners to create a therapeutic space where youth feel safe to express their feelings without fear of judgment or dismissal.
Additionally, treatment approaches should be individualized, taking into account the specific losses experienced by the youth and the social stigmas associated with those losses. Implementing trauma-informed care that recognizes the potential for systemic biases and societal stigmas can facilitate healing (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014). Clinicians should also play an active role in advocating for awareness and sensitivity toward disenfranchised grief in broader societal contexts, which can contribute to removing the barriers that prevent youth from seeking support.
Addressing Intrapsychic and Interpersonal Factors in Practice
Effective interventions for disenfranchised youth must address both intrapsychic and interpersonal factors that influence their grief. Intrapsychic factors may include the individual’s coping mechanisms, belief systems, and prior experiences with loss. Practitioners can assist youth in developing healthy coping strategies through therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and narrative therapy, which encourage exploration of feelings and the re-framing of experiences (Neimeyer, 2000).
Addressing interpersonal factors often involves working with family and community systems. Engaging significant others in the therapeutic process, including family members or close friends, can create a support network that reinforces the youth's experiences and validates their grief (Walsh & McGoldrick, 2017). Facilitating family sessions or support groups specifically focusing on disenfranchised grief can help in normalizing their feelings and experiences amongst peers who share similar losses, thereby mitigating feelings of isolation.
The Impact of Personal Beliefs and Attitudes
Clinicians' personal beliefs and attitudes regarding loss and death inevitably influence their practice. For instance, if a therapist harbors stigmatizing beliefs about certain types of deaths—such as those associated with addiction or suicide—they may inadvertently convey judgment to their clients (Smith et al., 2020). This can hinder the therapeutic relationship and prevent youth from feeling comfortable sharing their experiences of loss.
To combat this, practitioners should engage in self-reflection and seek supervision or consultation to examine their beliefs and biases critically. Cultural competence training can also provide valuable insights, equipping clinicians with the tools to navigate the complexities of diverse grieving processes (Pew Research Center, 2015). Moreover, being open to discussing these biases in therapy can help normalize the conversation about death, leading to a more authentic therapeutic alliance and enabling youth to share their disenfranchised grief experiences more freely.
Conclusion
Disenfranchised grief presents unique challenges for youth, influenced by both intrapersonal and interpersonal domains. Clinically, it is essential to approach these individuals with sensitivity and an awareness of the societal impacts of their losses. Addressing the grief through tailored therapeutic interventions that consider both intrapsychic and interpersonal factors can facilitate healing. Furthermore, clinicians must remain vigilant about their own beliefs and attitudes, as these can shape the therapeutic environment significantly. By fostering an open and compassionate space, practitioners can better support disenfranchised youth in navigating their grief.
References
- Doka, K. J. (2002). Disenfranchised grief: Recognizing hidden sorrow. Lexington Books.
- Lehman, D. R., Wortman, C. B., & Williams, A. F. (2000). An approach to coping with loss: The role of personal beliefs. In M. S. Stroebe, R. O. Hansson, H. Greiner, & W. W. F. Schut (Eds.), Handbook of bereavement research: Consequences, coping, and care (pp. 979-1011). American Psychological Association.
- Neimeyer, R. A. (2000). Narrative psychology of grief: Meaning reconstruction and the stories we tell. In R. A. Neimeyer (Ed.), Lessons of loss: A guide to coping (pp. 1-21). Holtzbrinck Publishers.
- Pew Research Center. (2015). The global divide on homosexuality persists. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2015/06/26/global-divide-on-homosexuality-persists/
- Rosenblatt, P. C. (2000). Grief and mourning in cultures. In Handbook of bereavement research: Consequences, coping, and care (pp. 165-184). American Psychological Association.
- Smith, J. A., Hill, K. D., & Jones, M. B. (2020). The impact of stigma on the grieving process: A qualitative analysis. Social Work in Mental Health, 18(3), 274-290.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4816. Rockville, MD: Author.
- Walsh, F., & McGoldrick, M. (2017). Living beyond loss: Death in the family. Norton & Company.