Abstract
The disciplinary field of death and dying has become a growing field in psychology that encompasses the concepts of death in religion, science, and psychology. Discussions of death have become more normalized but remain taboo in specific ways, especially in motherhood. This chapter will discuss the psychology behind death and dying as it relates to contemporary society. Maternal mortality and the mass media coverage that revolves around it will be analyzed as it has become a critical ongoing issue in the United States. Additionally, how an individual may perceive death will be examined as different factors, such as experiences, religion, and spiritual belief, play a significant role. Lastly, this chapter will inspire ideas for future directions on the advancement in the field of thanatology.
TopFacing Reality: The Psychology Behind Death And Dying
Death can be regarded as a taboo subject that individuals may avoid discussing. Since the 1950s, psychologists have studied thanatology, a relatively new branch of psychology (Fonseca & Testoni, 2011). This area of study investigates different perspectives related to death and dying biological, medical, psychological, and social perspectives. Thanatology aims to examine and enhance the comprehension of how individuals contend with dying, death, and grief. It also develops strategies and techniques that may assist individuals in managing end-of-life issues more effectively. Through ongoing research and assistance with healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations, thanatology aims to promote greater awareness and understanding of the many problems surrounding death and dying and to improve the quality of care and support available to individuals and families facing these difficult life transitions (Meagher & Balk, 2013).
Throughout history, there have been many ways in which individuals respond to death. Despite extensive research in thanatology, the findings are less abundant than expected. In an attempt to provide an overview of current perspectives (in society and professional fields), this paper begins with an individual’s perception of death, discussions towards (and exposure to) death, and how one may respond to grief when facing the loss of family members.
For example, according to the Department of Greek and Roman Art (Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2003), the Greeks believed that when a person dies, the spirit of the person leaves their body. Ritual practices were performed to honor the dead. An improper burial was considered an insult to the deceased. The burial ritual had three parts: laying out the body, a procession to honor the deceased before dawn, and placing the body or cremated remains in a grave. “Lamentation of the dead” was a part of Greek culture during the Geometric period because of the creation of vases that were decorated for the deceased to convey the emotions felt while mourning the deceased (Department of Greek and Roman Art, 2003).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Cessation: The fact or process of ending or being ended.
Miscarriage: The expulsion of a fetus from the womb before it can survive independently, especially spontaneously or as the result of an accident.
Death Education: Education about death that focuses on death's human and emotional aspects.
Thanatology: The scientific study of death and its associated practices, including the study of the needs of the terminally ill and their families.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: A reference book on mental health and brain-related conditions and disorders; guidelines for diagnosis.
Stillbirth: The birth of an infant that has died in the womb (strictly, after having survived through at least the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, earlier instances being regarded as abortion or miscarriage).
Alexithymia: The inability to recognize or describe one’s own emotions.
American Psychiatric Association: A national American medical and professional organization whose physician members specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental disorders.
Bereavement: The state or fact of being bereaved or deprived of something or someone.
Abortion: The termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A mental condition characterized by excessive or unrealistic anxiety about two or more aspects of life (work, social relationships, financial matters, etc.), accompanied by symptoms such as increased muscle tension, impaired concentration, and insomnia.
Eclampsia: A condition in which one or more convulsions occur in a pregnant woman suffering from high blood pressure, often followed by coma, and posing as a threat to the health of mother and baby.
Maternal Death: The death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and the site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes.