group 1

death and dying

content:
1. Thanatology
2. Life meaning and death
3. Stages
4. Dealing with dying and
death
5. Widowhood
6. Suicide
7. Euthanasia
Thanatology
Thanatology is the scientific study of death
and dying, encompassing the physical,
psychological, social, and cultural aspects
of mortality. It examines the mechanisms
and processes of death, the experiences of
the dying and their loved ones, and the
social and cultural attitudes toward death.
Aspects of thanatology:
Psychological Aspects:
1. Death anxiety and acceptance
2. Grief and bereavement
3. Coping mechanisms (denial, anger,
bargaining, depression, acceptance)
4. Emotional responses to loss (shock,
sadness, guilt)
Aspects of thanatology:
Sociological Aspects:
1. Social attitudes toward death
2. Cultural influences on death and dying
3. Death rituals and mourning practices
4. Impact of death on social relationships
Aspects of thanatology:
Biological Aspects:
1. Physiological processes of death
2. Causes of death (disease, injury, aging)
3. Brain death and clinical death
4. End-of-life care
Life and Meanings
of Death
presented by: alveena
roll number: 15
Life and Meanings
of Death
Human beings think about the impact of
death throughout much of their lives.
Infancy (0-2year)
Concept of death and its meaning
develop across various stages of
life, according to developmental
psychology.

Infancy
•No understanding of death
(0-1 year)
••Limited cognitive
development
Early Childhood (2-6 years)
•Starts to
understand death as
Early separation
•May believe
Childhood death is
(2-6 years) reversible
•Begins to
develop fear of
death
Middle Childhood (7-12 years)
•Understand death
as permanent
Middle
•Begins to grasp
Childhood concept of
(7-12 irreversibility
•May exhibit
years) increase fear and
anxiety
Adolescence
(13-19 years)

Begins to
May experiment develop own
with risk-taking beliefs about
behaviors death and
afterlife
Young Adulthood
(20-39 years)

May Begins to
experience contemplate
loss of loved own mortality
ones
Middle Adulthood
(40-64 years)

May Contemplat Reflects on

experience es own life
midlife mortality accomplish
crisis and ments
meaning of
life
Late Adulthood
(65+ years)
• Acceptance of own mortality
• Reflection on life experiences and
relationships
• Focus on leaving a lasting legacy
Existential Psychology and
Existential Anxiety
The concept of The denial of death
searching for leads to existential
meaning in life Anxiety, which can
throughout death is be a source of
one of the emotional troubles
foundations of in daily life
existential
Psychology
stages of dying
and death
presented by: khadija
roll number: 18
STAGES OF DYING
When someone is told they are going to
die and have only a short time to live,
there are five basic stages they go
through.
STAGES OF DYING
These stages were created by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.

While working with dying patients she analyzed what goes

on in their minds.

From her experience-oriented research, she found five

specific emotional and mental stages that are consistent
with almost all patients.

These five stages don't usually follow any particular order,

and each can be experienced more than one time
STAGES OF DYING
Stage 1: Denial and Isolation

Stage 2: Anger

Stage 3: Bargaining

Stage 4: Depression

Stage 5: Acceptance
LOSS
The fact or process of losing something or
someone.

Unrecoverable and usually unanticipated and

non- recurring removal of, or decrease in, an
asset or resource.
GRIEF
Grief is an emotional response to a loss.

Grief is a deep emotional and mental anguish

that is a response to the subjective experience of
loss of something significant.
STAGES OF LOSS AND
GRIEF
1. Denial and Isolation
• The first reaction to learning of terminal illness or
death of a cherished loved one is to deny the reality
of the situation.
• It is a normal reaction to rationalize overwhelming
emotions.
• It is a defense mechanism that buffers (guard) the
immediate shock.
• We block out the words and hide from the facts.
• This is a temporary response that carries us
through the first wave of pain
STAGES OF LOSS AND
2. Anger GRIEF
• As the masking effects of denial and isolation begin
to wear, reality and its pain re-emerge; We are not
ready.
• The intense emotion is deflected from our
vulnerable core, redirected and expressed instead
as anger.
• The anger may be aimed at inanimate objects,
complete strangers, friends or family.
• Anger may be directed at our dying or deceased
STAGES OF LOSS AND
3.Bargaining GRIEF
• The normal reaction to feelings of helplessness and
vulnerability is often a need to regain control.
• If only we had sought medical attention sooner
• If only we got a second opinion from another doctor.
• If only we had tried to be a better person toward
them.
• Secretly we may make a deal with God or our higher
power in an attempt to postpone the inevitable.
• This is a weaker line of defense to lprotect us from
STAGES OF LOSS AND
4. Depression GRIEF
• Two types of depression are associated with mourning.

• The first is a reaction to practical implications relating to the

loss.Sadness and regret predominate this type of
depression. This phase may be eased by simple clarification
and reassurance. We may need a bit of helpful cooperation
and a few kind words.

• The second type of depression is more subtle and, in a

sense,perhaps more private.It is our quiet preparation to
separate and to bid our loved one farewell.
STAGES OF LOSS AND
5. Acceptance GRIEF
• Reaching this stage of mourning is a gift not afforded to
everyone.
• Death may be sudden and unexpected.
• Acceptance is often confused with the notion of being "all
right" or "OK" with what has happened.
• Most people don't ever feel OK or all right about the loss of
a loved one.
• This stage is about accepting the reality that our loved one
is @physically gone and recognizing that this new reality is
the permanent reality.
STAGES OF LOSS AND
GRIEF
• We will never like this reality or make it OK, but even if we
accept it.

• We learn to live with it; it is the new norm with which we

must learn to live.

• We must try to live now in a world where our loved one is

missing.

• In resisting this new norm, at first many people want to

maintain life as it was before a loved one died.
dealing with dying
and death
presented by: fatima batool
roll number: 19
Grief Therapy
Grief therapy is a type of psychotherapy that
helps individuals process and cope with the
emotional pain and distress following a significant
loss, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or
major life change.
Example:
Sarah lost her husband suddenly in a car accident. She
struggled to cope with the loss, experiencing intense
sadness, anger, and guilt. Her grief therapist helped
her:

1. Process emotions through journaling and emotional

expression.
2. Explore memories and create a memory book.
3. Develop coping strategies, such as mindfulness and
self-care.
Benefits:
1. Reduced emotional pain and distress
2. Improved coping skills and resilience
3. Enhanced ability to process and express
emotions
4. Increased sense of control and purpose
5. Better relationships with others
Hospice Care
Hospice care is a comprehensive, holistic
approach to caring for individuals with terminal
illnesses, focusing on comfort, quality of life, and
emotional support.
Benefits:
1. Improved quality of life
2. Reduced pain and symptoms
3. Emotional support for patients and families
4. Increased patient autonomy
5. Cost-effective care
Death Education
Death education refers to the process of
teaching individuals about death, dying,
and bereavement to promote
understanding, acceptance, and healthy
coping.
Benefits:
1. Increased death awareness and acceptance
2. Improved coping skills
3. Enhanced empathy and compassion
4. Better end-of-life planning
5. Reduced death anxiety
Bibliotherapy
Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach using books and
reading to support mental health, personal growth, and
emotional well-being.

Types:

1. Clinical Bibliotherapy: Guided by a trained therapist or

healthcare professional.
2. Self-Help Bibliotherapy: Independent reading and self-
reflection.
3. Fiction Bibliotherapy: Using novels and short stories for
Benefits:
1. Emotional expression and validation
2. Empathy and understanding through shared
experiences
3. Coping skills and strategies
4. Personal growth and self-awareness
5. Stress reduction and relaxation
Widowhood
presented by: maryam riaz
roll number: 16
Widowhood
• Widowhood refers to the disruption of marriage
due to loss of a spouse due to death, a life-
altering event that often brings profound
emotional, social, and psychological changes.
• It marks a significant transition in the
developmental trajectory, especially in late
adulthood.
• widows (female whose spouse is dead)
• widowers (male whose spouse is dead)
statistics
• nearly 5% of men and 12% of women in
all age groups are widowed.

• among people aged 75% and older,

nearly 25% of men and 66% of women
are widowed
widowhood and divorce:
Loss of a Relationship:

Both involve the end of a marital

relationship, leading to significant
emotional adjustment.
widowhood and divorce:
Cause of Relationship Loss:

• widowhood: Caused by death, often

sudden and uncontrollable.

• divorce: A result of a decision to end

the marriage, often mutual or one-
sided.
widowhood and divorce:
Hope for Reconciliation:
• widowhood: No chance of reuniting; the
loss is final.

• divorce: many divorced people maintain

at least a superficial relationship with
each other.
Gender Differences in Widowhood
Women:
• More likely to experience economic hardship,
especially if they were financially dependent on
their spouse.
• Tend to seek and benefit from emotional support
men:
networks.
• More prone to social isolation and depression due
to reliance on their spouse for emotional support.
• Often remarry sooner than women to regain
companionship.
Widowhood and health:
Physical Health:
• Increased risk of health issues like cardiovascular
problems or immune system decline, often referred to
as the “widowhood effect.”

mental health:
• Higher risk of depression, anxiety, and in some
cases, prolonged grief disorder..
Coping with widowhood:
Coping with widowhood can be deeply challenging, as it
involves emotional, social, and psychological
adjustments. Here's an overview of how people manage
this life transition, framed in the context of
developmental psychology
• Grieving Process
• Social Support
• Building a New Routine
• Spiritual and Philosophical Coping
• Social and Romantic Relationships
Grieving Process:
• Experiencing stages of grief (denial,
anger, bargaining, depression, and
acceptance) is natural.
• Individuals may cycle through these
stages at their own pace.
Social Support:
Family and Friends:
• Support networks provide comfort and reduce feelings of
isolation.
• Talking openly about the loss of loved ones helps mitigate
Support
loneliness.Groups:
• Joining groups for widows/widowers provides a sense of
community and understanding.
• Shared experiences with others going through similar
situations can normalize feelings.
Building a New Routine
Rediscovering Purpose:

Volunteering, pursuing
education, or focusing on work
can help channel energy into
meaningful endeavors.
Spiritual and Philosophical Coping
Religious Practices:
• Praying, attending religious services, or seeking
guidance from spiritual leaders often provides
comfort.
Existential Reflection:
• Reflecting on life’s meaning and focusing on
personal growth helps some individuals accept
and adapt to their new reality.
Social and Romantic Relationships
Maintaining Social Connections:
• Staying connected with friends and community
reduces isolation.

Considering Remarriage or Dating:

• Over time, some widowed individuals explore
new relationships as a way to regain
companionship and intimacy.
Other issues in
thanatology:
• Thanatologists study traditional topics like grief
and Kubler-Ross's theories, as well as
contemporary ethical issues such as suicide and
euthanasia. The debate has increased due to
changes in state laws on physician-assisted
suicide and advances in life-sustaining
technologies that patients rely on.
Suicide
presented by: Rida Iftikhar
roll number: 26
Suicide
• Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s
own death

• The majority of Americans view suicide, the

deliberate termination of one’s own life, as
highly unfortunate if not immortal.
Suicide
• One conservative estimate is that 300,000
people attempt to kill themselves in the United
States each year.

1.Exact figures are hard to determine and many

presumed accidents may actually be disguised suicides
or attempted suicides.
Why people attempt suicide

People attempt The feelings of

Others attempt
suicide for a utter failure
suicide to
number of and
escape the
reasons, hopelessness,
agony and pain
including and the desire
of a chronic or
extreme to spare the
terminal
negativity and world of their
illness.
pessimism presence by no
about life. longer being in
Risk factors for Men
•Substance abuse

•Mental health disorders (depression,

anxiety)

•Social isolation

•Social isolation

•Trauma
Risk factors for Women
•Mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, eating
disorders)

•Relationship issues (abuse, divorce)

•Family history of suicide

•Chronic illness

•Hormonal fluctuations
Non- suicidal people
• •Non-suicidal people who see a variety
of acceptable options when faced with
difficult situations .

• Suicidal people see few or no options

other than self- destruction.
Who attempt suicide
more men or women?
•Women outnumber men 3 to 1 in the
number of attempted suicide. Men
outnumber women 4 to 1 in the number
of actual suicides.
•Men commit suicide more than women.
This sex difference appears across the life
span and persists across cultures.
•Women attempt suicide more than
Methods of suicide
•Men tend to use more lethal
methods than women use when
attempting suicide ( for
instance, guns instead of
sleeping pills).

•Women use overdose of pills for

suicide.
Suicide rate
•The highest suicide rates are among
older adult males.
•While mostly an adult phenomenon,
suicide occurs among children and
adolescents too.
•Although young children rarely
succeed in committing suicide, some do.
•Each year, about 12,000 children ages
5 to 14 enter psychiatric hospitals for
Suicide rate

•Suicide has increased among adolescents

(especially males) by nearly 200 percent in
recent years, yet the national average still
below that of middle-aged adults.
Suicide among adults
and adolescents
•Suicide in both men and women , adults
and adolescents, is likely to be associated
with other mental health problems, such as
depression and substance abuse.
•Among adults, marital breakup and
unemployment are linked to suicide,
especially in men.
•Among both adolescents and adults,
relationship difficulties have been linked
Prevention

•Encourage open conversations

•Seek professional help
•Support mental health services
•Reduce stigma around mental illness
•Promote coping strategies
Conclusion
•Suicide is a complex issue requiring compassion,
understanding and support. By acknowledging
the risks and promoting prevention, we can work
together to create a safer and more supportive
environment for all.
Euthanasia
presented by: laraib javeria
roll number: 02
Introduction
• Euthanasia comes from the Greek words eu (good) and
Thanatosis (death), which means "Good Death, "Gentle
death," or "Easy Death."
• This word has come to be used for "mercy killing.
• It is the act or practice of ending the life of a person
either by a lethal injection or suspension of medical
treatment.
• The word "euthanasia" was first used in a medical
context by Francis Bacon in the 17th century, to refer to
an easy, painless, happy death, during which it was a
"physician's responsibility to alleviate the 'physical
types of euthanasia:-
Active euthanasia:
It is when death is brought by an act for example taking a high
dose of drugs-To end a person's life by the use of drugs, either
by oneself or by the aid of a physician.

Passive euthanasia:
• When death is brought by an omission eg.: When someone
lets the person die, this can be done by withdrawing or
withholding treatment.
• Withholding treatment: For example switching off a machine
that keeps the person alive. Withholding treatment: For
types of euthanasia:-
Voluntary euthanasia
Voluntary euthanasia is committed with the willing or
autonomous cooperation of the subject. This means that the
subject is free from the direct or indirect pressure from others.

Non voluntary euthanasia:

• Non voluntary euthanasia occurs when the patient is
unconscious or unable to make a meaningful choice between
living and dying, and an appropriate person takes that decision
for him/her.
• This is usually called murder, but it is possible to imagine cases
types of euthanasia:-
Indirect euthanasia
This means providing treatments -mainly to reduce pain- that
has a side effect of shortening the patient's life .Since the
primary intent wasn't to kill, it is morally accepted by some
people.
Assisted suicide
This usually refers to cases where the persons who are going to
die need help to kill themselves and ask for it.-It may be
something as simple as getting drugs for the person, and putting
those drugs within their reach.
History
•It is believed that euthanasia started in ancient
Greece and Rome around the fifth century B.C.
•Some did this by abortions, and every now and
then performed a mercy killing even though
doctors were supposed to follow the Hippocratic
Oath :"I will give no deadly medicine to any one if
asked, nor suggest any such counsel".
History
•During the Middle Ages, euthanasia was pretty much out of the
question. If one committed suicide, the law in Europe was for the
body to be dragged through the streets or nailed to a barrel and left
to drift downriver.
•During the Seventeenth and Eighteenth centuries
euthanasia was a topic of discussion. However, people
continued to reject euthanasia and assisted suicide.
•1478-1535: Sir Thomas More is often quoted as being the first
prominent Christian to recommend euthanasia in his book Utopia,
where the Utopian priests encourage euthanasia when a patient
was terminally ill and suffering pain.
History
•1828: The first law against assisted killing, known as anti-
euthanasia was passed in New York.
•1870: The use of morphine and analgesic medications for
assisting quick and painless death was suggested.
• 1885: The American Medical Association strongly denied the use
of analgesics for euthanasia.
•1994: Netherlands is the first country where euthanasia has been
allowed.
•2001: The euthanasia law was adopted in Belgium - this law
defines conditions for doctors to avoid penal punishment.• 2008:
U.S. state of Washington legalizes assisted suicide
Religious views on euthanasia:
islam:
Muslims are against euthanasia. They believe that all human life
is sacred because it is given by Allah, and that Allah chooses
how long each person will live.

Christianity:
Christians are mostly against euthanasia. The arguments are usually based
on the beliefs that life is given by God, and that human beings are made in
God's image. Some churches also emphasize the importance of not
interfering with the natural process of death. Life is a gift from God
Christianity requires us to respect every human being.
Religious views on euthanasia:
Judaism:
Jewish medical ethics have become divided, over euthanasia
and end of life treatment since the 1970s. Generally, Jewish
thinkers oppose voluntary euthanasia, often vigorously, though
there is some backing for voluntary passive euthanasia in
limited circumstances.
•Shinto
•Shin

shinto:
In Japan, where the dominant religion is Shinto, 69% of the religious
organizations agree with the act of voluntary passive euthanasia. In
Shinto, the prolongation of life using artificial means is a disgraceful act.
Religious views on euthanasia:
Buddhism:
An important value of Buddhism teaching is compassion.
Compassion is used by some Buddhists as a justification for
euthanasia because the person suffering is relieved of
pain .However, it is still immoral "to embark on any course of
action whose aim is to destroy human life, irrespective of the
quality of the individual's motive."
Thank You