Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the Kübler-Ross theory of dying. Be sure to include a discussion of how well this approach fits with contextual theories of dying

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Kubler-Ross' theory of dying contained five reactions that represent the ways in which people deal with death: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. This theory provides a framework for explaining the emotions that dying individuals are likely to experience while coping with the fact that they are dying. According to research, Kubler-Ross's stages should not be viewed as a sequence. We could harm dying people by considering these stages as fixed and universal because individual differences are great and emotional responses may vary greatly throughout the dying process. Contextual theories of dying take into account the wide variety of terminal illnesses, the individual perspectives of dying people, and the individual values related to death. They also consider the socio-environmental context within which dying occurs, which may change over time. Changing environments when one is dying can have profound implications for how the person copes with dying. Contextual approaches would provide guidance for health care professionals and families in discussing how to protect the quality of life, provide better care, and prepare caregivers for dealing with the end of life. Kubler-Ross' theory of dying does not consider the same factors developed by contextual theories of dying.