Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Intervention in Grieving Processes
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Students will be seen after class and/or by making an appointment.
Introduction
The death of a loved one is one of the most significant and potentially stressful life events a person may face and can therefore have a considerable impact on psychological health and well-being. Most people gradually adapt to the loss and develop resources that enable them to cope with and integrate the associated suffering. In some cases, however, these difficulties persist and may lead to prolonged grief disorder, which is recognised as a diagnostic entity in both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
This course addresses the understanding of and psychological intervention in grief processes, considering their characteristics and manifestations across different situations and stages of life. Throughout the course, students will learn about the main theoretical and therapeutic approaches, distinguish between a normative grief process and situations that may require specialised care, and identify the main risk factors, clinical indicators and diagnostic criteria associated with prolonged grief.
Different assessment, support and psychotherapeutic intervention strategies will also be explored through the analysis of written and audiovisual testimonies and real experiences of loss. The course will encourage students to reflect on their own personal history and relationship with death, loss and suffering, recognising that the professional’s stance is essential when supporting these processes in a sensitive, rigorous and respectful manner.
Pre-course requirements
No specific prerequisites are required beyond the admission requirements for the University Master’s Degree in General Health Psychology.
Objectives
- To understand the grief process and its main emotional, cognitive, behavioural, relational and somatic manifestations.
- To distinguish between normative and complicated grief, identifying the main clinical indicators and risk and protective factors.
- To become familiar with the main theoretical and therapeutic models applied to the understanding and treatment of grief.
- To analyse real experiences of loss through written and audiovisual testimonies.
- To develop skills in the assessment, support and psychotherapeutic treatment of grief processes.
- To understand the processes involved in working through loss and transforming suffering.
- To reflect on one’s own personal history and personal and professional relationship with death, loss and grief.
- To foster a therapeutic attitude that is sensitive, ethical and respectful of the uniqueness of each grief process.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN03 - Distinguish in depth the psychological nature of human behavior and its disorders, as well as the biological, social, and psychosocial factors influencing health and illness, with special attention to their impact on mental health.
- CP03 - Work in multidisciplinary groups in the clinical and healthcare field, critically and constructively evaluating one's own work and that of other professionals, and identifying both personal and professional strengths and limitations in professional practice.
- CP05 - Apply an integral health concept, including its biopsychosocial components, in accordance with the guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- CP06 - Apply the fundamentals of bioethics and the method of deliberation in professional practice, ensuring that practice as a healthcare professional complies with the provisions of Law 44/2003, of November 21, on the regulation of healthcare professions.
- CP09 - Manage referral to the corresponding specialist professional, demonstrating knowledge of the role of the general health psychologist in different contexts.
- CP10 - Communicate effectively with other professionals, demonstrating skills necessary for teamwork and multidisciplinary groups.
- CP14 - Apply the principles of human rights, democratic values, and sustainable development in professional practice, promoting a culture of peace and ensuring inclusive and sustainable environments that respect the dignity of all people in the healthcare field.
- HB04 - Demonstrate advanced interpersonal communication and emotion management skills with patients, relatives, and caregivers, ensuring person-centered care throughout the entire process of psychological evaluation, diagnosis, intervention, and follow-up.
- HB07 - Demonstrate a solid ethical and professional commitment by assuming civic and social responsibilities, contributing to the construction of a more just and equal society from the field of health psychology.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Assess the grief process, applying effective therapeutic tools to develop support programmes tailored to the needs of each case.
Syllabus
Topic 1. Personal history and relationship with death and grief
Exploration of personal experiences, beliefs and attitudes towards death, loss and suffering, as well as their influence on professional practice.
Topic 2. The grief process: normative and complicated grief
Conceptualisation of grief, its common manifestations and evolution, and the distinction between normative grief and forms of grief that require specialised clinical care.
Topic 3. Main theoretical and therapeutic models of grief
Review of the main explanatory models of grief and their contributions to psychological assessment, understanding and intervention.
Topic 4. Evolution of the grief process
Understanding the evolution of the grief process, its characteristics, and the needs associated with its different stages
Topic 5. Analysis of an audiovisual testimony: one and five years after the losses
Analysis of the long-term evolution of the grief process and the changes that occur as the losses are integrated.
Topic 6. Therapeutic intervention in grief
Strategies and resources for the assessment, support, and therapeutic intervention in grief processes.
Topic 7. The inner place from which we offer support
Exploring the inner place from which we support those who are suffering; the importance of stillness and inner silence.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The training activities and methodologies that will be implemented in this subject are:
- The master class will be the setting to learn and use terminology and linguistic structures related to the field of study, to practice and develop oral and written communication skills and to become familiar with bibliography and didactic support material for a greater integration of the contents of the subjects.
- The case study is a learning technique in which the subject is confronted with the description of a specific situation that poses a problem, which must be understood, evaluated and solved by a group of people through a process of discussion. Case studies are generally carried out through group work that encourages student participation, developing their critical spirit. Additionally, it prepares the student for decision making, teaching him/her to defend his/her arguments and to contrast them with the opinions of the rest of the group.
- Reading texts in order to access critical thinking, which plays a fundamental role in the formation of conscious and responsible citizens.
- Reflection and introspection through questions, situations, and experiences that allow students to explore their own experiences and become aware of how personal history, emotions, and beliefs can influence the way they support others in their suffering.
- Role-playing and simulation of clinical situations to practise support and therapeutic intervention skills, fostering experiential learning and subsequent reflection on one's own performance.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
1ST CALL
30% Resolution of cases methods proposed during the lectures.
70% Final exam of the course.
2ND CALL
100% Final exam of the course.
Bibliography and resources
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Payàs, A. Las tareas del duelo: psicoterapia de duelo desde un modelo integrativo-relacional. Barcelona: Paidós, 2015.
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Stroebe M, Hansson R, Schut H, Stroebe W. Handbook of bereavement research and practice: advances in theory and intervention. American Psychological Association, 2008.
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Payàs, A. El mensaje de las lágrimas: una guía para afrontar la pérdida de un ser querido. Barcelona: Paidós Ibérica, 2014.
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Neimeyer, R. Aprender de la pérdida: una guía para afrontar el duelo. Barcelona: Paidós, 2007
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Kübler-Ross E. La muerte: un amanecer. Barcelona: Ed. Luciérnaga, 1991
The student will have a Bibliography to facilitate consultation.