Learning Objectives

Following the completion of this chapter, students will be able to:

1. Discuss the biological, social, and psychological aspects of death.
2. Define thanatology and describe the goal of death education.
3. Describe historical origins and the current purpose of hospice care.
4. Discuss attitudes toward death and dying expressed by young, middle-aged, and older adults.
5. Compare and contrast approaches to death explained by physical and psychological changes and Kübler-Ross's stages of dying.
6. Define and discuss cultural patterns associated with bereavement, grief, and mourning.
7. List and describe forms and patterns of grief.
8. Describe the issues that surviving spouses must address in an effort to rebuild their lives.
9. Discuss the influence that losing a parent has on self-concept, perspectives on mortality, religiosity, personal priorities, and career plans.
10. Describe the personal difficulties experienced by parents following the death of a child.
11. Describe behavior patterns and controversies associated with suicide including cross-cultural trends, warning signs, and issues of choice.
12. Define active and passive euthanasia; describe attitudes toward euthanasia in the United States.
13. Describe the life review process and explain its importance for older adults.
14. Discuss the relationship between a meaningful life and a fear of death.
15. Explain the concept that human development continues until the moment of death.