Freud is Considered an Early Expert on the Subject of Grief GMAT Reading Comprehension

Reading Passage Question

Freud is considered an early expert on the subject of grief. In his writings, one of the primary tasks faced by the bereaved individual was reclaiming the energy that had been invested in the loved one. Later theorists added to our understanding of grief by reflecting on the role of socialization and the relationship with the deceased in the experience of grief. Bowlby identified four phases through which the grieving person passes: numbing, yearning and searching, disorganization and despair, and reorganization. Still others have suggested that responses to grief are predictable, regardless of the individual’s personality characteristics and personal coping skills. A recent theory also suggests that grief is not only psychological but also biological, and represents the individual’s movement toward reintegration and balance.

One concern frequently expressed by critics of the stage models of grief is general misunderstanding about how the stages are experienced. The average person and even many mental health practitioners tend to see the stages of grief as linear and as descriptions of how grief should be experienced. This can make grieving individuals feel as if they must ‘progress’ through the stages in a timely manner and that something is wrong if they do not do so. The authors of the various stage models did not make this assumption, however. Instead, they acknowledged that the way grief is expressed, the timing and sequence of stages, the duration for which grief lasts, and the coping responses used were varied. Another criticism is that these models assume that the outcome of the grief process will be a return to a more ‘normal’ psychological state. Some experts, on the contrary, suggest that a person does not ever return to the state of mind prior to the loss, and long-term grief may be normal for some people. This aspect needs further examination of theories before the merit of this criticism can be objectively judged.

“Freud is Considered an Early Expert on the Subject of Grief” is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension. This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 7 comprehension questions.

The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solution and Explanation

Question 1. What is the author’s attitude on the theories suggesting stage models of grief?

1. The author considers these theories plausible.
2. The author finds the stages to be predictable.
3. The author questions the chronological nature of the theories.
4. The author is convinced that a final state of normalcy exists.
5. The author finds similarity among the various stage models.

Question 2. Which of the following statements is the author most likely to agree with?

1. The latest theories of grief find their base in the work of Freud.
2. The critics of stage models have incorrectly made certain assumptions about the stage model theories.
3. The ‘coming to normalcy’ idea of stage model theories is incorrectly interpreted by the critics of these theories.
4. The stages of grief are linear and time-bound.
5. Socialization can help in refocusing energy invested in the relationship with the deceased.

Question 3. Which of the following can be inferred about the author’s attitude towards the theories suggesting stage models of grief?

1. The author considers these theories plausible.
2. The author finds the stages to be predictable.
3. The author questions the chronological nature of recovery.
4. The author is convinced that a final state of normalcy exists.
5. The author finds differences among the various stage models.

Question 4. Which of the following best describes the function of the second paragraph (see the highlighted text)?

1. To extend a critique of the work by various grief theorists
2. To extend support to the criticism of stage models of grief
3. To dismiss the criticism of stage models of grief as unfounded
4. To conclude that the stage models of grief are not reliable in their current state
5. To analyze different criticisms of stage models of grief

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