Beyond Endurance [Paperback]

ronald j. knapp (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 12, 1986

No event is as traumatic as the death of a child. Dr. Knapp has interviewed over 155 familes who experienced such a loss to determine how they coped, or failed to cope. This book presents the results of his research, shedding light on constructive measures for responding to the tragedy, and calling attention to the special needs of the surviving family members.

Dr. Knapp examines three types of death: death occurring after a long illness, sudden or unexpected death, and death by murder.

"Knapp has written a very readable and moving account of family tragedies and their aftermath . . . His poignant and compelling psychological descriptions . . . make this book absorbing reading.
--The Boston Herald

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In 1980 Knapp coauthored Motherhood and Mourning , on perinatal death. Beyond Endurance focuses on parents who have experienced the death of an older child (aged one to twenty-eight). Knapp interviewed more than 400 families to obtain his data. He presents the unique and common experiences for three causes of death of a child: death after a long illness, sudden (accidental) death, and death by murder. He also covers the grieving process; special issues, such as the hospital, grave visits, and days of remembrance; and coping behavior. Some suggestions are given for helping the parents to mourn, i.e., roles for friends, health professionals, the funeral director, and support groups. Primarily for professionals, this is recommended for academic and health science libraries. Jean E. Crampon, Southern Illinois Univ. Sch. of Medicine Lib., Springfield
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

RONALD J., KNAPP is a professor of sociology at Clemson University, South Carolina. For several yewars prior to 1986, he has been engaged in teaching and research in the sociology of death and dying. Dr. Knapp is the co-author of "Motherhood and Mourning: Prenatal Death. Emeritus Professor Knapp retired after 30 years of service at Clemson University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 271 pages
• Publisher: Schocken (September 12, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805208232
• ISBN-13: 978-0805208238
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,296,076 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear, sensitive, and extrememly helpful, October 23, 1999

By 

Jocelyn Connors ([e-mail]) (Charlottesville, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond Endurance (Paperback)

This book helped me more than anything I was able to do when our 18 year old son died in an accident 1985. The author, Ronald Knapp, wisely covers a broad range of circumstances and gives a clear and compassionate set of guidelines for those who mourn or those who wish to help mourners when a child dies, regardless of the circumstances or their values and beliefs. I will always remain grateful to him for writing the book, and I deeply regret that it is out of print. I loaned my copy to a friend several years ago, and it has since been passed on to many. Now I need another copy, for it is a book that will always remain helpful and timely!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beyond Endurance: When a Child Dies, January 15, 2001

By 

Cindy Pharr (Iuka, MS USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond Endurance (Paperback)

It has been seven months since my mother and oldest son were killed in an automobile accident. It has been the hardest thing I have ever had to endure. This book offered a tremendous amount of practical advice. At times he was a little technical and wordy, but overall, this book helped me so much, and I believe it will help others who have lost a child.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An indispensible book for any parent who has lost a child., May 2, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Blacksburg, Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond Endurance (Paperback)

My 19-year old son was accidently electrocuted on May 2, 1986. I felt that the 155+ familes who were quoted in Mr. Knapp's book were talking directly to us, counseling my wife and I on how to cope with our tragedy. Ronald J. Knapp's "Beyond Endurace: When a Child Dies" helped my family endure the unendurable. I thank him publicly here for writing his book. I gave copies to other families in my community who also lost a child.