Teaching Death, Grief and Bereavement
Will be published approx. on 28. January 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
298 pages
978-1-0353-9906-2 (ISBN)
Description
Taking a holistic approach, Neil Thompson and Gerry R. Cox propose a rich variety of methods for teaching death, grief and bereavement. Recognising the sensitivity and complexity of these issues, the authors have developed this guide to help teachers in higher and further education provide high-quality teaching and training around death and mortality, dying and end-of-life care and grief and bereavement.
Thompson and Cox address the key challenges of teaching in these areas as well as the complex relationship between theory and practice, putting forward a 'theorizing practice' approach. Analysing the role of sociopolitical factors, such as gender and culture, the authors explore the differences between personal and collective responses to death and loss. The book also provides extensive practical guidance in the form of over 80 exercises, tips, advice on pitfalls to avoid, and handouts to be used in class.
Teaching Death, Grief and Bereavement is a valuable resource for teachers and lecturers specialising in death, grief and bereavement, as well as educators in social work, social care, healthcare, nursing and counselling.
Thompson and Cox address the key challenges of teaching in these areas as well as the complex relationship between theory and practice, putting forward a 'theorizing practice' approach. Analysing the role of sociopolitical factors, such as gender and culture, the authors explore the differences between personal and collective responses to death and loss. The book also provides extensive practical guidance in the form of over 80 exercises, tips, advice on pitfalls to avoid, and handouts to be used in class.
Teaching Death, Grief and Bereavement is a valuable resource for teachers and lecturers specialising in death, grief and bereavement, as well as educators in social work, social care, healthcare, nursing and counselling.
Reviews / Votes
'This volume is an exemplary contribution to the fields of thanatology and bereavement studies. It offers clear and accessible guidance on a challenging subject. One of the most commendable features of the book is its practical orientation. The authors bridge the gap between theoretical insights and real-world application by including chapters on reflective practice, the sociological imagination, and applied exercises. This integration ensures that educators can understand the content and effectively translate it into meaningful learning experiences. The authors' extensive expertise shines through, providing readers with a rich blend of personal reflections, academic rigour, and practical advice. Including various exercises and teaching tools enriches the material, fostering a dynamic learning environment for students. Furthermore, the book's emphasis on the emotional and ethical dimensions of teaching bereavement is particularly notable, highlighting the importance of sensitivity and self-awareness for educators. Overall, this text is a must-read for social work, psychology, and palliative care education professionals. It equips educators with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of grief education with integrity and compassion.' -- Christopher Hall, CEO, Grief Australia, Australia 'Informed by a rich lifetime of work and years of experience as classroom-based educators, this book will serve as a valuable resource for instructors-whether new or more established-in the field of death, dying and bereavement. It is replete with a bounty of classroom exercises and practical guidance on delivering sessions from some of the world's leading authorities in the field. I only wish it had existed when I first set out on my teaching journey!' -- Michael Brennan, Liverpool Hope University, UK 'This is a unique book. In nearly 50 years of teaching and writing in the field of death, dying, and bereavement, I do not believe I have seen a book with the distinctive qualities of this one.' -- From the Foreword by Charles A. Corr, Professor Emeritus, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, USAMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-0353-9906-2 (9781035399062)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Neil Thompson, Independent writer, educator and adviser and Visiting Professor at the Open University, UK and Gerry R. Cox, Emeritus Professor, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, USA
Content
Contents
Foreword xi
Preface xiii
Introduction to Teaching Death, Grief and Bereavement 1
PART I EFFECTIVE EDUCATION
Introduction to Part I 7
1 Why am I learning this? 8
2 The central role of values 11
3 Critically reflective practice 15
4 Relating theory to practice 22
5 Learning to learn 27
6 The challenges of teaching about death, grief and bereavement 33
7 Getting started 39
PART II THE SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION
Introduction to Part II 45
8 Incorporating the social dimension 46
9 Teaching about the sociological imagination 50
PART III DEATH AND MORTALITY
Introduction to Part III 113
10 Death awareness 114
11 Teaching about death and mortality 119
PART IV DYING AND END-OF-LIFE CARE
Introduction to Part IV 174
12 Preparing for the end 175
13 Teaching about dying and end-of-life care 180
PART V GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT
Introduction to Part V 207
14 The price we pay for love 208
15 Teaching about grief and bereavement 215
16 Conclusion to Teaching Death, Grief and Bereavement 261
References 264
Appendix 1: Guide to further learning 267
Appendix 2: Further teaching ideas 270
Appendix 3: Exercise contributors 273
Foreword xi
Preface xiii
Introduction to Teaching Death, Grief and Bereavement 1
PART I EFFECTIVE EDUCATION
Introduction to Part I 7
1 Why am I learning this? 8
2 The central role of values 11
3 Critically reflective practice 15
4 Relating theory to practice 22
5 Learning to learn 27
6 The challenges of teaching about death, grief and bereavement 33
7 Getting started 39
PART II THE SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION
Introduction to Part II 45
8 Incorporating the social dimension 46
9 Teaching about the sociological imagination 50
PART III DEATH AND MORTALITY
Introduction to Part III 113
10 Death awareness 114
11 Teaching about death and mortality 119
PART IV DYING AND END-OF-LIFE CARE
Introduction to Part IV 174
12 Preparing for the end 175
13 Teaching about dying and end-of-life care 180
PART V GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT
Introduction to Part V 207
14 The price we pay for love 208
15 Teaching about grief and bereavement 215
16 Conclusion to Teaching Death, Grief and Bereavement 261
References 264
Appendix 1: Guide to further learning 267
Appendix 2: Further teaching ideas 270
Appendix 3: Exercise contributors 273