Thanatology
Thanatology
Thanatology (pronounced: tha·na·tol·o·gy /ˌθanəˈtäləjē/) is the scientific study of death and the practices associated with it, including the study of the needs of the terminally ill and bereaved. It investigates the mechanisms and forensic aspects of death, such as bodily changes that accompany death and the post-mortem period, as well as wider psychological and social aspects related to death. It is primarily an interdisciplinary study offered as a course of study at numerous colleges and universities.
The term "Thanatology" is derived from the Greek word "Thanatos" which was the personification of death in Greek mythology, and "logia" which translates to "the study of".
Related Terms
- Mortality: The state of being subject to death.
- Morbidity: The condition of being diseased.
- Euthanasia: The act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy.
- Hospice Care: A type of care and philosophy of care that focuses on the palliation of a chronically ill, terminally ill or seriously ill patient's pain and symptoms, and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs.
- Palliative Care: A multidisciplinary approach to specialized medical and nursing care for people with life-limiting illnesses.
- Bereavement: The state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one.
- Grief: The natural response to losing someone or something that is important to you.
See Also
- Death: The cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism.
- Mourning: The expression of deep sorrow for someone who has died, typically involving following certain conventions such as wearing black clothes.
- Funeral: A ceremony connected with the final disposition of a corpse, such as a burial or cremation, with the attendant observances.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Thanatology
- Wikipedia's article - Thanatology
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