Similarities and Differences Between the Buddhist and the Kübler-Ross Stage Theories

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Thanatology: Death and Dying Essay Assignment 2 Thanatology Essay Assignment 2 Identify and Describe the Similarities and Differences between the Buddhist and the Kübler-Ross stage theories. The similarities between Buddhist and Kübler-Ross are striking. These theories were designed to explain as well as help people cope with death and dying. In both cases the theories cannot be applied in several situations. You must have time to go through the stages with a well-functioning mind. Therefore, if someone was to die suddenly, their mind goes before the body. If the mind is in great emotional turmoil the person would not go through the stages. In the last stage of both theories there is an understanding and peace before death. According to Kastenbaum (2012), there are many differences between the Buddhist perspective and Kübler-Ross stage theory. The Buddhist perspective developed several centuries ago as part of a religion. The teachings are taken as fact among the followers. Kübler-Ross theories are relatively recent (1969). Many people in scientific communities do not believe her work. The Buddhist perspective starts near the time of death when body functions start terminating. We are dealing with the reaction of the mind as the body dies. There are eight stages. All of the stages are equal and occur in sequence. Kübler-Ross theories begin when the individual finds out that they are going to die. This is much earlier than occurs in Buddhism. Kübler-Ross theory deals with an individual’s changing attitudes as they progress toward death. The five stages of Kübler-Ross are not equal or sequential like Buddhism. They can vary in length as well as regress. Kübler-Ross’ ideas applied exclusively to death and dying. The eight stages of the Buddhism perspective could be applied to sleep, fainting, orgasm or sneezes in a more subtle form (Kastenbaum, 2012). Describe

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