Cover
Contents
About the Authors
Preface
Chapter 1: Studying Dying, Death, and Bereavement
Current Interest in Death and Dying
Mortality Statistics
Approaches to the Study of Dying and Death
Conclusion
Summary
Discussion Questions
Suggested Readings
Chapter 2: The American Experience of Death
Defining Death
The Meaning of Dying and Death
The American Experience of Death
Contemporary Attitudes toward Death
Contemplating One's Own Death
Conclusion
Summary
Discussion Questions
Suggested Readings
Chapter 3: Growing Up with Death/Growing Old with Death
Childhood
Adolescence
Adulthood
Conclusion
Summary
Discussion Questions
Suggested Readings
Chapter 4: Perspectives on Death and Life after Death
The Need to Look beyond Death
Diversity in Perspectives
Religious Interpretations of Death
Temporal Interpretations of Death
Symbolic Immortality
Near-Death Experiences
Conclusion
Summary
Discussion Questions
Suggested Readings
Chapter 5: The Dying Process
Death Meanings
Relating to the Dying Person
Dying with Dignity
The Dying Child
Conclusion
Summary
Discussion Questions
Suggested Readings
Chapter 6: Living with Dying
Understanding and Coping with the Illness
Treatment Options
Palliative Care
The Hospice Movement
Conclusion
Summary
Discussion Questions
Suggested Readings
Chapter 7: Dying in the American Health Care System
The Medical Model Approach to Dying
End-of-Life Education in Medical and Nursing Schools
Developing a Sensitivity to Social and Psychological Needs
Developing Communication Skills
Conclusion
Summary
Discussion Questions
Suggested Readings
Chapter 8: Biomedical Issues and Euthanasia
Ethical Behavior
Use of the Body in Medical Research and Training
Organ Transplantation
Euthanasia
Conclusion
Summary
Discussion Questions
Suggested Readings
Chapter 9: Suicide and Other Sudden, Unnatural Traumatic Deaths
Changing Attitudes toward Suicide
Social Factors Involved in Suicide
Opioids and Suicide
Theoretical Perspectives on Suicide
Suicide through the Life Cycle
Rational Suicide
Other Sudden, Unnatural, Traumatic Deaths
Conclusion
Summary
Discussion Questions
Suggested Readings
Chapter 10: Diversity in Death Rituals
Understanding Death Rituals
Mourning Behaviors
Customs at Death
Death Rituals of Major Religious Groups
Conclusion
Summary
Discussion Questions
Suggested Readings
Chapter 11: The Business of Dying
The Business of Preparing the Dead
The American Practice of Funeral Service
Alternatives to the Funeral
New Trends in Funeral Service
The Business of Burying the Dead
Cemeteries Today
Conclusion
Summary
Discussion Questions
Suggested Readings
Chapter 12: The Legal Aspects of Dying
Establishing the Cause of Death
Advance Directives
Life Insurance
Inheritance and Wills
Conclusion
Summary
Discussion Questions
Suggested Readings
Chapter 13: Coping with Loss
The Bereavement Role
The Grieving Process
Assisting the Bereaved
Coping with Sudden Death
Conclusion
Summary
Discussion Questions
Suggested Readings
Chapter 14: Grieving throughout the Life Cycle
Grieving Parents and the Loss of a Child
Grieving Children and Adolescents
Grieving Adults
Dying, Death, and Bereavement in the 21st Century: A Challenge
Conclusion
Summary
Discussion Questions
Suggested Readings
References
Glossary
Index