Final answer:
The statement that Neimeyer (1983) found that medical residents who personally felt most strongly threatened by death were also the most willing to confront death when caring for a dying patient is false. The correct choice is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Neimeyer (1983) found that medical residents who personally felt most strongly threatened by death were also the most willing to confront death when caring for a dying patient is false. The research on how individuals cope with and confront death is varied, and the relationship between personal feelings about death and the willingness to engage with dying patients is not straightforward.
People's perceptions and reactions to death are influenced by cultural values, personal beliefs, and the context in which they encounter death. The Kübler-Ross model outlines a series of stages that some individuals may experience in response to impending death or loss, from denial and anger to eventual acceptance. However, not everyone experiences these stages, and some may find solace through their religious or spiritual beliefs, or find comfort in hospice care, which provides a supportive environment for the terminally ill.
In understanding medical professionals' responses to dying patients, it's essential to consider not only personal feelings about death but also professional ethics, training, and the impact of broader social attitudes towards death and dying. For example, the controversy around death with dignity laws and the question of end-of-life care highlight the complexities involved in confronting death both personally and professionally. Hence the correct choice is b.