Two main goals in the care of the terminally ill are to optimize the quality of their remaining life and to alleviate the distress of their survivors. Pain control research has contributed significantly to meeting those goals, but continued progress is needed in both basic studies and expanded applications of new techniques. (Author/NB)

Explores custom of post-mortem photography. Describes practice of post-mortem photography in 19th century America and traces changes in post-mortem photography in the 20th century. Discusses value of photographs in mourning process and suggests more thorough examination of the place of death-related photographs in grief management. (Author/NB)

Reviews literature on terminal patients and nature of their experiences during the time before their death by examining: (1) the number of persons each year who must confront their own death; (2) emotional responses of dying patients to their impending death; (3) interventions for the dying patient; and (4) areas for future research. (Author/NB)

Cases are described in which 'presences' or 'energies' were experienced as part of relinquishing attachments to lost persons. The evidence does not support any ready 'scientific' account; and it is emphasized that such experiences should be recognized and not discounted for lack of a clear theoretical explanation. (Author)

Reviews last 10 years of research, counseling, and treatment in area of bereavement. Notes that community support can help some individuals coping with grief, but that others require different interventions. Sees need for research into sequence of events that lead to adverse physical, mental, or social consequences in bereavement, and about types…

Explores the social nature of denial and the functionality of denial in preserving relationships threatened by knowledge of terminal illness. Asserts that denial serves to forestall social withdrawal by the patient and his/her social circle, as well as promoting role enactments necessary to medical treatment. (Author)

Reviews the concept of "life review" postulated by Butler and the Eriksonian notion of "integrity versus despair". Compares these with the rabbinic conception of death, and preparation for it. The rabbis encouraged this process and considered its ultimate goal to be the heroic and creative act of repentance. (Author)

Reviews approaches to individual counseling with adult dying clients. Briefly describes approaches and their potential strengths and weaknesses. Different counseling treatments are integrated within the framework of matching treatments with clients. Suggests categorizing clients in terms of four ways of responding to death: overcoming,…

Examines topics related to delivery of terminal care services: ability of various hospice programs to survive financially, contributions of various models of hospice care, impact of Medicare legislation on hospice movement, demonstration of unique hospice intervention, integration of spiritual care into hospice, and role of hospice in care of…