Death & dying
Death and dying can be stressful for dying people, their loved ones and care-givers. Psychologists can help. They can assess mood, mental functioning and pain; treat depression, anxiety and other mental health problems; provide end-of-life counseling to the dying and their families; and advocate for good medical care.
Research on Death and Dying
- Coping with the death of a co-worker
Our co-workers are very much like extended family, so a co-worker's death can be particularly difficult to deal with. Know what to expect from the grieving process, what you can do to work through your feelings and how to get help.
- End-of-Life Issues and Care
Report on how people approach the end of their lives, and how they and their families commonly face tasks and decisions that include a broad array of choices.
- Private loss visible
Getting Help
- Find a Psychologist
- The Role of Psychology in End-of-Life Decisions and Quality of Care
Psychologists can contribute to end-of-life care before illness strikes, after illness is diagnosed and treatments begin, during advanced illness and the dying process, and after the death of the patient, with bereaved survivors.
Monitor on Psychology Articles
- Why do men die earlier?
June 2011
- The living will needs resuscitation
October 2010
- How to prepare for the unexpected
June 2008
Books
- Meaning, Mortality, and Choice
June 2012
- Ben's Flying Flowers
April 2012
- Black Jack Jetty: A Boy's Journey Through Grief
April 2010
- Kate, the Ghost Dog: Coping With the Death of a Pet
November 2009
- Bereavement in Late Life
September 2006
- Life and Death Decisions
October 2003
APA Offices and Programs
- End of Life Issues and Care
The APA Office on AIDS has compiled invaluable resources for individuals whom are dying, including: education and training, policy and advocacy, APA publications, and APA governance reports.
