What is Thanatology?

Thanatology [Thanatos (death) + Ology (the study of)] is, most broadly, the study of death. Thanatology investigates the historical, cultural, social, ethical, psychological, and physiological elements of death and dying. As such, it is a deeply multidisciplinary field of study. Thanatologists work in funeral homes, hospitals, hospices, social services organizations, therapist offices, and more.

Death and dying touches everything! Understanding the ways it does is the focus of a Thanatologist. While philosophical examinations of death have been in place since the age of Plato, the field of Thanatology is relatively young. Thanatology first emerged as a field of study in the mid-20th century, as cultures emerged from the profound loss of two World Wars and the development of medical technology that extended life and began replacing home-based death and funerals.

 ADEC (the Association for Death Education and Counseling) began certifying Thanatologists decades later in 1996.

 Much like End of Life doula care, the field of Thanatology is relatively young and offers much rich soil for future study.