Chose from selected topics on loss and grief
Description/ Focus: Essay
Value: 100%
Due Date: 24th September 2016
Word Length: 2500 words
Please choose one of the follow five essay questions for Essay.
Essay Questions
1 Critically examine whether conventional theories of grief adequately represent the unique experiences of perinatal bereavement. Are there more contemporary models of grief that might influence how the perinatal grief experience is interpreted and experienced?
2 Untreated child sexual abuse has been associated with serious psychological problems, such as high rates of anxiety and depression, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, sexual dysfunction and multiple personalities. As social workers are intimately involved in delivering services to child sexual abuse survivors, they must be knowledgeable about the treatment of the aftermath of sexual abuse. Critically examine a theoretical loss and grief model that a social worker might use for working with this population group.
3 ?Grief work? with refugees and migrants cannot be confined to a psychiatric approach centered on psychopathology. Cultural, social, political and even historical dimensions must be incorporated. Critically examine this statement.
4 A large proportion of internationally displaced persons in Africa suffer from acute hardship and insecurity. What gender and culturally specific services are required in ?grief work? that would better support this population group and how would they differ from traditional theoretical models ofgrief?
5 Grief is not only shaped by culture and social context but also by the nature of the relationship between the mourner and the deceased. Critically evaluate the complexity of grief experiences and bereavement support for elderly people following partner loss in later life.
The essay should include the following:
? An introduction that outlines the logical structure of the paper, contains an argument, and convinces the reader that the paper deals with an important issue for practitioners
? Evidence of effective use of a broad range of loss and grief literature
? A critical analysis of loss and grief theory that is relevant to the essay question
? A conclusion that critically reflects on the findings of your paper and their wider implications for practice
Preparation
Assessment of this paper will be based significantly on your ability to critically analyse and apply relevant loss and grief literature. We recommend that you cite and discuss a substantial selection of articles from the set readings and/or other relevant sources from the loss and grief literature. It is suggested that you also consider how core social work or other professional literature fits with and supports your discussion. Avoid the use of “popular literature” and websites. Use peer reviewed academic sources as references, keeping in mind the level of theory and knowledge appropriate for a fourth year essay. In short, express your ideas in a scholarly manner with reference to published research.
Presentation
Font style and size should be easy to read, keep to size 12, with 1.5 line spacing.
Use the APA version 6 Referencing Guide
This assessment requires a minimum of 15 academic peer reviewed in-text reference citations and reference list.
Assessment Criteria
The essay will be assessed against the following criteria:
o Demonstrated evidence of unit readings and further reading/research
o Demonstrated ability to critically engage with theoretical frameworks
o Ability to critically reflect on interventions and identify areas for improvement
? Adherence to academic writing conventions
Required textbook(s)
Worden, W. (2009) Grief counselling and grief therapy: a handbook for the mental health practitioner, 4th ed, Routledge, London.
Resources
Books which focus on loss and grief experiences:
? Bennett, B at al. (2012). Our voices: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Work. Palgrave Macmillian.
? Collins Logan. T. (2009) The vital mystic: a guide to emotional strengths and spiritual enrichment. Integral Lifework Centre.
? Everly, G., Brown, S. (2008) The resilient child: seven essential lessons for your child?s happiness and success. DiaMedica Publications.
? Goldman, L. (2000) Life and loss: a guide to help grieving children. Taylor & Francis.
? Jalland, P. (2006) Changing ways of death in twentieth century Australia. UNSW Press.
? Karchner, B. (2010) Good grief. Xulon Press.
? Ryan. M. (2008) The other side of grief: the home front and the aftermath in American narratives of the Vietnam War. University of Massachusetts Press.
? Smith. S. (1999) The forgotten mourners: guidelines for working with bereaved children. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
? Spall,B., Callis, S. (1997) Loss, bereavement and grief: a guide to effective counselling. Stanley Thornes Ltd.
? Stroh Becvar. D (2003) In the presence of grief: helping family members resolve death, dying, and bereavement issues. Guilford Press.
