Impact of client death on clinical geropsychologists. The: a qualitative analysis
Date
2012
Authors
Foster, Amanda N., author
Vacha-Haase, Tammi, advisor
Banning, James, committee member
Stallones, Lorann, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Although clinical psychologists who work with older adults are expected to work competently in areas of death and dying, there has been little research that explores how client death impacts these professionals. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, interviews with 10 professional geropsychologists were transcribed and analyzed for common themes across participants. Identified themes included: development of a different mindset in geropsychology; circumstances of memorable client deaths; personal/professional boundaries; impact of client death on clinical work; and developing specific coping strategies. Results from the present study suggested that despite grief reactions, participants believed that experiencing client death led to both personal and professional growth that helped them to become better clinicians. They also identified immediate reactions to client death that ranged from a sense of joy and peace to feelings of loss and regret. Participants identified specific coping strategies they used to cope with this phenomenon.
Description
2012 Spring.
Includes bibliographical references.
Includes bibliographical references.
Rights Access
Subject
aging
client death
death and dying
geropsychology
grief
professional issues