Introduces special journal issue focusing on research in thanatology. Notes that the possibility of nuclear and biological annihilation requires further research that is broad-based, interdisciplinary, multi-method, and collaborative, and that will be useful to researchers, clinicians, social planners, and legislators. (Author/NB)

Notes that deaths from natural and technological disasters are increasing in United States. Reviews key findings in areas of vulnerability to natural hazards, disaster behavior and risk perception, societal concern over technological hazard, and social-psychological effects of disasters. Calls for research examining the role of media and measuring…

Illustrates current status of thanatological research by examining the most popular line of empirical investigation (death anxiety as assessed by self-report scales) and the most sweeping theoretical approach yet proposed (Freud's death instinct). Notes that the most popular vein of research and most spectacular theory have almost no relationship…

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)