Weight: 35%
Length:
please use canadian English, not American
NO A.I.
1,500-2,000 word essay (plus 6-12 references).
You will not be penalized for going over the word count.
You may also use headers and sub-headers throughout your assignment.
Due: Submitted by July 22nd to designated section in Assignments.
This final assignment will consist of an in-depth summary of your course learning. This paper will build upon the reflections from your learnings thus far. The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate your understanding of an issue related to loss and grief. Your paper should build upon the course material, and illuminate the issues regarding a individual impacted by loss and grief. With the course material as a foundation for this assignment, the subject matter – the population/loss(es) are your choice.
PART ONE: Client Identification
Reflect on the course content. Choose a client population – individual, family, group or community. Identify loss(es) impacting this population (divorce, suicide, dementia, etc.).
PART TWO: Case Study
As the introduction to your assignment, write a brief (~50 words) descriiption to help stimulate the development of your population and subject matter. Describe: the demographic information (age, gender, social location, etc.), developmental age, functioning. What intersectional identities impact their loss or their mourning of it?
Identify the type of loss(es) impacting the chosen population (divorce, suicide, dementia, etc.)
PART THREE: Exploration of Loss and Grief
Following your case study, incorporate the following in your written assignment:
Identify some possible grief reactions and expressions of grief for this client/population;
Descriiption of the theories as they seem to be applicable. Identify the types of losses: disenfranchised loss? ambiguous loss? developmental aspects?;
Identify whether grief is a public or private experience for this case study. Why or why not?
What are some risk factors (sources of harm/isolation) impacting grieving?
What are some protective factors (sources of strength/support) impacting grieving?
What are some possible short and long term implications of this loss(es)? Continuing bonds?
Identify challenges and opportunities to supporting this population in their grief. Explain.
Identify the role of ceremonies/traditions/rituals commonly associated with the type of loss. Do spirituality/culture or other aspects play a role in the person’s grief process and/or meaning-making? Provide examples. What other legacy work might be possible?
Identify: 1 book, 1 article, 1 web resource (social media, website, etc.) and 1 audio/video recording/podcast that offers support or resources for this client population.
Identify how you might support this population in their grief. Provide examples.
PART FOUR: Self-Care.
Following your responses to the above, incorporate the following in your written assignment:
Reflect on your self-care practice prior to beginning this course. What did self-care look like for you? Has anything changed? Why or why not? (no judgement)
Consider how self-awareness is an essential part of practice as we all face loss and grief (personally and professionally).
What will a self-care practice (or self-compassion) look like for you personally?
What will a self-care practice (or self-compassion) look like for you professionally?
How might you explore self-compassion for others facing loss and grief?
Note: While your primary sources of information for this assignment may be class notes, discussions and course materials, you are also encouraged to use novel sources of information (academic journals, books, articles and any additional resources).
Please remember to integrate in your Written Assignment:
Evidence of knowledge and an understanding of the literature of chosen topic as well as major concepts and issues discussed
Evidence of an understanding of the complexity of the issue. Evidence of critical thinking
Evidence of knowledge of the theoretical and research literature relevant to the issues (remember to integrate the readings/resources and credit sources appropriately)
Reference to readings/resources in your written assignment and credit sources (include 6-12 references). You will not be penalized for going over the word count
Evidence of the ability to integrate theory and research and articulate implications for policy and practice. Written products should be concise and edited (spelling and grammar)
Written products will be assessed for organization, quality of content, clarity of ideas and writing, including appropriate academic style and citations (e.g. APA style, 7th edition).
Loss due to Divorce in Middle-Aged Men
Client Identification: Individual – a middle-aged man dealing with the aftermath of divorce.
Case Study: A 45-year-old man from an urban setting experiencing loss of family structure and identity after a contentious divorce.
Possible Grief Reactions: Feelings of abandonment, anger, and identity crisis.
Theories: Attachment Theory, Loss and Change Model.
Public or Private Grief: Often private, with societal expectations for men to suppress emotions.
Risk Factors: Stigma, financial instability.
Protective Factors: Strong friendship network, professional help.
Implications: Potential long-term impact on relationships and mental health.
Challenges and Opportunities: Stigma around male vulnerability, opportunity for personal growth and new relationships.
Role of Ceremonies: Legal proceedings and potential for personal rituals of closure.
Resources: Book: “Getting Past Your Breakup” by Susan Elliott; Article: “Men and Divorce: The Emotional Impact” by Clinical Psychology Review; Website: Men’s Divorce Resource Center; Podcast: “The Art of Charm”.
Support: Therapy, peer support groups, and creating new social routines.
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