On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Summary & Study Guide

by BookRags

A classic in the study of death, dying and grief, this first effort by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross provides the first glimpse at the true feelings and experiences of people in the process of dying. Written in 1969, Kubler-Ross uses material gathered from her many seminars and interviews with terminally ill hospital patients and in a groundbreaking gesture, suggests to the reader that instead of ignoring, avoiding or isolating the dying patient, it is important to understand the stages of grief and to allow the patient to talk openly and honestly about his situation. In earlier times, death was not a subject to be discussed aloud, and was such an uncomfortable topic, that a dying patient was not free to share his feelings, anxieties, anger and transitions with even his loved ones. Kubler-Ross presents some new possibilities, that perhaps a dying patient feels lonely and isolated, and the awkward non-communicative way we treat the dying can be transformed to help the patient feel a sense of completion, comfort and peace at the end of his life. This study guide includes the following Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion.

Genres: Psychology

35 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2010

Reviews

[Ameya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended to everyone.
Psychiatrist, physician, Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, proposed the now-famous, much-used five stages of death: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross made it her life’s mission to understand the experience of dying patients in her care. She was amazed to find that they had an inkling of the afterlife, sprinkles from heaven. She was especially interested in helping children crossing over. Her mission went from wanting to help them to learning of their wisdom.

Dr. Kübler-Ross’ compassion, spirituality and humanity shine through the entire book. She assures the reader that we are never alone when we pass. We have a guardian angel throughout our lives, who also helps us to pass over to a better existence. However, Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross stresses the importance of life and living it to the full. The Dr’s certainty that there is a better ongoing existence after this one on Earth is assuring to all who are grieving, or have a fear of death.

This review also appears in www.Amazon.com and https://thereadersvault.blogspot.com/...

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book extremely helpful whilst grieving. Having never had to cope with grief before it explained how I felt and made sense of things.
Helped recognising the stages of grief. Not necessarily helping with the stages themselves but mentally acknowledged each stage. Giving acceptance of the path of grief. Almost enlightened or comforted that the way I felt or the way I behaved was perfectly normal.

[Lucumone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro illuminante, una lettura impegnativa per gli argomenti trattati. Per leggere Kuebler-Ross è necessario essere pronti, diversamente non si comprende nulla di ciò che vuole trasmettere.