Cultural Diversity in Grief

Abstract

"Culture in its broadest sense, is what makes you a stranger when you are away from home. It includes all those beliefs and expectations about how people should speak and act which have become a kind of second nature to you as a result of social learning. However, direct exposure to an alien society usually produces a disturbing feeling of disorientation and helplessness that is called 'culture shock.'"¹ This article explores various cultures and beliefs and attitudes concerning death and grief. By reexamining attitudes toward patients of different cultures and gaining understanding of their cultures and psychosocial environment, the caregiver begins to develop cultural competence in dealing with cross- cultural issues.