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trajectories of dying

the rate of movement and the length of the passage from a life-threatening condition to death. In 1968, U.S. sociologists Barney G. Glaser (1930–  ) and Anselm L. Strauss (1916–1996) developed a classification of dying trajectories, two of which have received particular attention from clinicians and researchers. The first, the lingering trajectory, is often characteristic of long-term, terminally ill patients who seldom receive aggressive, all-out treatment. By contrast, the second is the quick trajectory associated with an emergency situation, in which any possible intervention to save a person’s life might be attempted.

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Psychology term of the day

October 10th 2024

support group

support group

a group similar in some ways to a self-help group in that members who share a problem come together to provide help, comfort, and guidance. A primary distinguishing feature of support groups is in their leadership: a professional or agency-based facilitator who often does not share the problem of members. In addition, support groups often last for only a limited predetermined number of sessions, and a fee for attendance is sometimes charged. Also called social support group.