Third Interview with Kenneth J. Doka

Dr. Doka is a professor of gerontology at the graduate school of The College of New Rochelle. Dr. Doka has written or edited 18 books, including HFA’s Living with Grief series, and has published 60 articles and book chapters. He is editor of Omega, a professional journal on death and dying, and Journeys, HFA’s monthly and special issue bereavement newsletter. Dr. Doka was elected president of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) in 1993. He was elected to the Board of the International Work Group on Dying, Death and Bereavement in 1995, and served as its chairman from 1997 to 1999. He is an ordained Lutheran minister.

Q: Later this month, HFA will publish Living With Grief^®: Before and After the Death,  the companion book to HFA’s teleconference. Tell us what you find exciting about the book this year.

A: One of the greatest components of this book is the authors. Not only have we have pulled together some of the finest writers in the field, but these authors have contributed exciting chapters focusing on their particular fields of expertise.

Phyllis Silverman has written a new article about self-help and peer support; Robert Neimeyer has contributed his insights into how grievers “make sense” of loss. Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun, who will be the keynote speakers at this year’s Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) conference, have written “Grief as a Transformative Struggle,” which encapsulates some of the newest thinking on the subject.

In addition to these chapters, other authors tackle some of the most current topics in grief. In the chapter by Paul Rosenblatt, we find a much richer view of culture and grief than normally seen. Colin Murray Parkes has contributed a very enlightening review of the arguments surrounding complicated grief.

These and our other authors are presenting the most current theories and ideas in the field, which professionals can use to inform their daily work with patients and families.

Q: Although the book covers a wide variety of subjects, do you see some common threads throughout the book?

A: Certainly. Most of the articles present challenges to the ways that we have traditionally looked at grief. We have extended our definition of loss, moving from the concept of grief as a set of universalized stages to understanding the individual pathways of grief. It means moving away from expecting grievers to “detach” from their loved ones who have died, towards the idea of continuing connections. We are moving from viewing grief as affect to recognizing the multiple and multifaceted reactions that persons have toward loss and the ways that responses to grief are influenced by culture, gender, and spirituality. Rather than asking grievers to passively coping with loss, we can see the possibilities of transformation and growth in grief.

While the articles cover different subjects, these threads run through the book. As editor, I wanted to stress two things--the tremendous individuality of grief experience, and how these important ideas can impact the therapeutic work that of clinicians and support group leaders, to help make that bridge from theory to practice.

Q: For the first time, HFA held a submission contest for the cover art of the book. How do you feel that the winning choice, “Woven Memories”, represents the topics in the book?

A: The choice of this artwork, and the story of how it was created, really illustrates two of the major themes in this year’s book. The best thinkers in the field now realize the importance of looking at the ways that we continue connections with those who have died, through memories and even through tangible objects such as clothing. The piece also beautifully reflects the individuality of the grief process, with each piece of fabric having a personal and special meaning to that griever.

Q: In addition to the professional articles, the book contains “Voices” essays written by laypeople. Why have you chosen to include these?

A: Because it’s important to never lose sight of the experiences of grievers. HFA started adding Voices chapters in our book on Living With Grief: Children, Adolescents and Loss, because we were tired of adults talking about what it meant to be a grieving child. The power of those stories, told by adolescents about their experiences with death and grief, were a powerful reminder of how people live with loss individually. The Voices essays have continued to ground the theories and remind readers as to how they affect people’s lives.

Q: You have served as Editor for the entire Living With Grief book series. What do you think these books have contributed to the field of grief and bereavement?

A: In addition to being able to share cutting-edge work by some of the best-known authors in the field, the books have also allowed us to expose readers to the work of new, lesser-known authors. Overall, these books have had a tremendous impact. Most books on grief reach small audiences--maybe 5,000 people. Because the book is developed in conjunction with HFA’s National Bereavement Teleconference, we are able to distribute a much greater number to professionals who can really take the theory “into the trenches.”

We develop the book each year as a companion to the HFA teleconference, to create a resource to help “fill in the gaps” that we can’t cover in a 2.5 hour program. But I take pride in knowing that these books have become vital resources independent of the teleconference, and can make a lasting impact that goes far beyond the broadcast date.