What Do Thanatologists Do?

An Academic Discipline That Examines Death and Its Impact. Thanatology is a scientific discipline that examines death from many perspectives, including physical, ethical, spiritual, medical, sociological, and psychological. ... Students of thanatology get a broad-based education on the topic of death, grief, and loss.

What can you do with a thanatology degree?

The following specialties practice and use thanatology:
  • Archaeologists and sociologists.
  • Clergy members.
  • Coroners and medical examiners.
  • Grief counselors.
  • Hospice workers and death doulas.
  • Doctors, nurses, and other caregivers.
  • Funeral directors/embalmers.
  • Philosophers and ethicists.

What is thanatology the scientific study of?

Thanatology, the description or study of death and dying and the psychological mechanisms of dealing with them. Thanatology is concerned with the notion of death as popularly perceived and especially with the reactions of the dying, from whom it is felt much can be learned about dealing with death's approach.

Elena Rostova

Elena Rostova

Lead Health, Wellness & Medical Journalist

Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.