Dying, Death, and Bereavement

This volume was designed to fill what the author perceived to be a need for a compact but comprehensive interdisciplinary survey of research, writings and professional practices concerned with death and dying. The focus is interdisciplinary and eclectic - medical, psychological, religious, philosophical, artistic, and demographic matters concerned with dying, death, bereavement and widowhood are all considered. Because the author is a psychologist, the psychological aspects of death and dying are emphasized. Therefore, a variety of viewpoints and research findings on topics subsumed under thanatology receive thorough consideration in individual chapters. In addition to including empirical findings and theoretical viewpoints, the book has been designed with the emotional needs of the reader in mind. The motive for taking the kinds of courses for which the book is designed vary from person to person, not the least of which is the need to acquire some understanding of the death of a close relative or friend and to come to grips with the inevitability of one’s own demise. Consequently, questions, activities and projects have been included at the end of each chapter to enhance reflection and to make the material personal and realistic.