Multiculturalism: increasing sensitivity at end of life and after death care

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Jian Jiang (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Janice Wassel

Abstract: American society has become increasingly diverse. Critical to respecting this multicultural diversity and fostering acceptance among persons of diverse ethnicity, races, and cultures are increased education and awareness, especially on end-of-life and after-death rituals. Although an expansive body of literature has been created to explore the significance of religiosity and spirituality on the issue of death and dying, there is inadequate research on clinical practices provided for the deceased with different religions. Moreover, there is an expanded atheist population in the United States, which requires healthcare professionals to have a basic respect and acceptance for atheists' preferences and wishes toward death and dying. This study concentrates on the cultural and clinical rituals for end-of-life and after-death care for individuals affiliated with Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and atheism. A series of systematic interviews were conducted with an atheist president and eight religious leaders representing each religion. Additionally, a survey was distributed to staff from one Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in the greater Piedmont community to obtain their existing knowledge about end-of-life issue, especially after-death care. Specific end-of-life and after death customs, opinions on suicide, organ donation, euthanasia, and corresponding suggestions for healthcare providers will be discussed for each religion and atheism. The goal of this research is to provide accessible and understandable information on end-of-life and after-death customs for healthcare professionals in a variety of healthcare settings.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2013
Keywords
After Death Care, Cultural sensitivity, End-of-life Care, Multiculturalism
Subjects
Terminal care $v Cross-cultural studies
Terminal care $x Religious aspects

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