Question
What is thanatology?
Answer
Thanatology is a scientific discipline examining death from many perspectives; physical, ethical, spiritual, medical, sociological, and psychological. It emerged in part out of the death of awareness movement that started in the 1950s in the United States and then the United Kingdom.
Thanatologists work in many different situations, all of which are emotionally complex. They include working for a hospice agency and supporting those who have lost a spouse or parent or offering support services to individuals and families bereaved because of a traumatic sudden death, such as an accident or a suicide. Thanatologists also play a central role in working with families when a family member needs end-of-life healthcare. Some thanatologists are also educators, working with children in schools or non-profits or with adults in colleges or continuing education for those in a variety of professions.
In addition, those who work directly in thanatology may spend time with those who are facing death due to life-limiting or terminal diseases. They may also work with family members of those who are dying, helping them to process loss.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the webinar, Understanding Thanatology, presented by Jennifer Carlson, MSW, PhD, CEM, LCSW
