| Body of Knowledge Outline |
Body of Knowledge OutlineThe Body of Knowledge (BoK) Outline, adopted in 2015, emerged from the work of ADEC’s Body of Knowledge Committee under the leadership of Chair, Helen Chapple. The “Outline” is not a replacement for the matrix, but rather a re-presentation of body of knowledge content in a differently-organized format. Non-death loss was added to the evolving body of knowledge at this time as relevant subject matter to the field of thanatology. ADEC’s Credentialing Council began using the BoK Outline in 2023 to structure and guide the ongoing development of the annual Credentialing Exam. Further, the outline format served as the organizational framework for ADEC’s Handbook of Thanatology, 3rd Edition (2021).
The Association for Death Education and Counseling®: The Thanatology Association® Body of Knowledge Outline, adopted 2015 I. Arenas of Thanatology A. Issues around definitions and perceptions of death B. Demography and epidemiology related to death and dying (local and global) C. Dying and foreseen death (when death is expected) 1. Conversations about goals of care at the end of life 2. “Tasks” of dying: physical, psychological, spiritual, social 3. Concerns/needs of those involved in the dying process D. Unforeseen death 1. Suicide 2. Homicide, wrongful death 3. Accidents and other unexpected deaths 4. Concerns/needs of those immediately or distantly affected E. Otherwise traumatic death in terms of mode, reaction, or appraisal F. Loss, grief, and mourning 1. Anticipatory grief/mourning 2. Reactions to loss: psychological, physiological, social, spiritual, neurological 3. Factors that influence the grief response 4. Developmental considerations 5. Concerns related to differently-abled and disenfranchised persons/populations G. Theories of grief 1. Historical context a. Early concepts b. Stages/phases of grief 2. Contemporary models a. Dual process b. Two track c. Attachment theory d. Constructivist (meaning-making) e. Grieving as a process of relearning 3. Important concepts related to grief a. Tasks of Grieving b. Disenfranchised grief c. Continuing bonds d. Ambiguous loss e. Non-finite loss f. Anticipatory grief/mourning g. Chronic sorrow h. Resilience i. Historical trauma j. Complicated/Prolonged Grief 4. Funeral practices, rituals, and memorialization (both short and long term) a. Traditional b. Current trends and changes
II. Practice Considerations for Professionals in Thanatology A. Practices related to human finitude 1. Preparation for end of life a. Conversation 1) Education about death and dying 2) Preferences and goals 3) Life review 4) Past experiences with death b. Documents/tools 2. Decision making regarding the end of life a. Weighing benefits and burdens b. Other ethical issues c. Role responsibilities d. Issues around hastening death 1) Euthanasia 2) Medical aid in dying e. Organ, body, and tissue donation 3. Care of the dying a. Developmental and differently-abled considerations b. Hospice and palliative care c. Implications of care settings d. Ethical/moral considerations B. Practices related to counseling/therapy in thanatology 1. Therapeutic relationship 2. Assessment 3. Interventions: a. Targets 1) Individual 2) Family 3) Group 4) Community/nation b. Intervention models 4. Developmental considerations 5. Concerns related to differently-abled and disenfranchised persons/populations C. Practices related to death education 1. Targets a. Individuals/families b. Social groups/communities c. Academic settings 2. Formats a. Formal classes/workshops; death cafes b. Informal conversations c. Teachable moments d. Media, internet 3. Developmental considerations 4. Concerns related to differently-abled and disenfranchised persons/populations 5. Content regarding different ways of knowing D. Practice issues applying to all professionals in thanatology 1. Training, preparation, and continuing education 2. Self-awareness regarding one’s own thanatological issues 3. Self-care, compassion fatigue, and burnout 4. Professional practice issues, e.g. moral distress 5. Cultural humility 6. Global considerations 7. Collaboration and collegiality 8. Communication/translation 9. Ethics in thanatology 10. Marginalized populations 11. Evolving platforms of practice, e.g. internet, social media
III. Contextual and Theoretical Considerations in Thanatology A. History of the field B. Social frameworks that influence thanatology 1. Societal or cultural norms a. Death anxiety and denial b. Cultural taboos c. Religious influences d. Ritual e. Technology 2. Laws 3. Body disposal 4. Institutional policies 5. Community/local considerations 6. Disciplinary perspectives and language 7. Family dynamics/Individual values C. Representations of death and grief in the arts and in media D. Non-death loss E. Resources and research |
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