Introduction Flashcards
What is Thanatology?
The study of death, dying, and bereavement.
From which mythology does the term “Thanatology” originate?
Greek Mythology
Who are the parents and twin brother of Thanatos in Greek mythology?
Parents are Erebus (darkness) and Nyx (night); twin brother is hypnos (sleep)
How is the Japanese term “shiseigaku” related to Thanatology?
It combines the study of life and death (“shi” = death; “shei” = life; “ Gaku” = study or learning)
How did Robert Kastenbaum define Thanatology in 1993?
As the “study of life with death left in it
What is the perspective of Thanatology in this course?
A multidisciplinary field that is both an applied and academic discipline, with a focus on psychological science
What are the characteristics of the “psychological science” perspective in Thanatology?
It is based on a scientific approach that is systematic, objective, and aims to understand
What are the four domains of interest in Thanatology?
Cognitive (thoughts), affective (feelings), conative (wish or drive), and behavioral (actions)
What is one major issue to keep in mind with Thanatology?
There are major gaps in knowledge and opinions among experts and professionals in the field
What should you do to navigate misunderstandings and disagreements in Thanatology?
Know the facts and refer to empirical research support
Why can Thanatology terms be confusing?
Because terms can have different meanings for different people and contexts
How should you handle confusing terms in Thanatology?
Investigate how each person (scholar, practitioner, layperson) specifically defines a concept
What is important to remember when discussing challenging topics in Thanatology?
Be respectful and understanding of yourself and others
