Sarah McGhehey

FCS 520
Loss Across the Lifespan
Course Reflection

Loss Across the Lifespan was an eye opening course as we explored the types of loss we
suffer along with the varying degrees of loss. In addition, we explored the effects of loss and
grief can have on both an individual and their family. While examining the types of loss and the
dynamics that can occur when a loss occurs, we developed and discovered strategies to help all
individuals through all types of loss. I was able to dive into my losses personally and dissect how
I handled the loss and determine what I would change when it comes to future losses.

Starting with a personal exploration, we thought and wrote about the losses that have
occurred over our lifetime and categorize these losses into the six categories: material loss,
relationship loss, intrapsychic loss, functional loss, role loss, and systemic loss. I have
experienced these different losses on multiple occasions with all varying in severity. It was eye
opening to think of all the losses that have occurred over my lifetime without even realizing the
impact that these experiences have had on my life. I have dealt with the grief that inevitably
follows in different manners and I have felt an assortment of emotions along with this grief.

Examining the losses that had occurred throughout my lifetime opened my eyes to these
different types of loss, allowing me to broaden my perspective of the term itself. In conjunction
with broadening my perspective, I read two stories of loss that permitted the investigation of two
particular losses within the lifespan and the grief and dynamic changes that occur with loss. The
first book covered the loss of a spouse and the other covered the loss of a father, husband,
brother, and son. Both reads allows me to explore the emotions and pain felt when coping with
such a significant loss, both of healthy forms and unhealthy forms. These reads allowed me to
imagine what would happen if such a significant loss were to occur in my life and what coping
mechanisms are most suitable in each situation.

While learning about each of the six forms of loss one will experience over their lifetime,
we got the opportunity to pick one of interest and dive deep into the particular form of loss. I was
very unfamiliar with intrapsychic loss when beginning this course and very interested when I
learned the definition. I researched and discovered many different form and examples of
intrapsychic loss to grasp the true concept behind this type of loss. Intrapsychic loss is defined as
a loss that occurs entirely within oneself, although there are some theories and thoughts about
what happens to the intrapsychic self when a major loss occurs within ones life. It is suggested
that the intrapsychic self has the potential to creatively reconstitute and maintain the sense of
oneself that existed in relation to the deceased.

Loss Across a Lifespan helped me establish a deeper understanding and appreciation for
the grieving process of many forms of loss. This knowledge will allow me to better understand
and relate to students who may encounter a significant loss. This course has made me
acknowledge the losses Ive endured within my lifespan and taught me better methods to cope
with such losses. Ive also been able to visualize a much more encumbering loss and the process
in which I can deal with such a loss healthfully.