Existential Preparedness Framework
Prepare for death
The Existential Preparedness Framework is a approach to preparing for death and reducing grief severity. It involves contemplating one's own mortality, understanding the role of death in life, and having a way to understand these existential issues in advance. This framework is based on the idea that having thought through these issues can enable individuals to better cope with loss and grief.
- Contemplating one's own mortality can reduce grief severity
- Having a way to understand existential issues can enable better coping with loss
- Preparing for death can involve having a document that outlines one's wishes and desires
- Contemplate Your Own MortalityTake time to think about your own death and what it means to you. Consider what you want to happen after you die and how you want to be remembered.Pro tipTry to do this in a way that feels comfortable and safe for youWarningThis step can be challenging and may bring up difficult emotions
- Understand the Role of Death in LifeThink about how death fits into the larger picture of life. Consider what it means to you and how it affects your relationships and daily life.Pro tipTry to find meaning and purpose in life despite the reality of deathWarningThis step can be complex and may require ongoing reflection
- Create a Document Outlining Your WishesWrite down your wishes and desires for after you die. This can include things like funeral arrangements, how you want to be remembered, and what you want to happen to your belongings.Pro tipConsider sharing this document with loved ones and updating it regularlyWarningThis step can be difficult and may require confronting your own mortality
This study found that individuals who had a way of understanding the role of death in life had less grief severity after the loss of a loved one.
The framework is based on a prospective bereavement study called 'The Changing Lives of Older Couples Study', which found that individuals who had a way of understanding the role of death in life had less grief severity after the loss of a loved one.