Purpose

• Describe cultural beliefs, customs, and traditions related to death and dying in diverse cultural groups.

• Discuss values associated with verbal and nonverbal communication in selected cultures.

• Incorporate cultural beliefs, customs, traditions, values, and practices into the healthcare, given an involvement in the end-of-life decisions.

• Look at cross-cultural concepts of grief and mourning that can describe the thoughts, emotions, interpersonal interactions, myths, and rituals that follow significant deaths in other cultures.

Q1. As a group, choose a culture that is different from your own (pick two to three). The following is a sample of cultures, but you may choose a culture not listed.

Q2. Perform a review of literature, researching books, articles, websites, or other reputable sources, and provide an evidence-based paper in APA format. The paper and presentation should include the following.

A. Brief description of the culture chosen (geographics, religious beliefs, etc.)

B. How grief is portrayed and handled in the culture and what the source of emotional support is

C. The use and interpretation of verbal and nonverbal methods of communication in the culture

D. Interactions and the role of family members during end-of-life decisions (i.e., who is the primary decision maker?)

E. Cultural or spiritual rituals or traditions needed or performed during and after death

F. What major issue the culture may encounter in our healthcare system regarding its beliefs concerning death and dying

G. How healthcare providers, especially nurses, can honor cultural differences

Q3. Deliver a creative 15- to 20-minute group presentation discussing key concepts described on the paper. A PowerPoint presentation can not be the only form of presentation. Handouts or other visual aids are highly recommended.