What is the study of death and dying called?

The study of death and dying is known as thanatology. This field encompasses various aspects related to the experience of death, the processes surrounding dying, and the cultural, psychological, and social dimensions of death. Thanatology examines topics such as grief and bereavement, the rituals associated with death, and the impact of death on individuals and communities.

Thanatology is interdisciplinary, drawing from psychology, sociology, anthropology, and other fields, to provide a comprehensive understanding of death in human life. Through studying thanatology, professionals can address the needs of those who are grieving, facilitate discussions about end-of-life issues, and improve overall understanding of mortality.

While sociology, anthropology, and psychology each contribute valuable perspectives on different aspects of human behavior and society, they do not focus specifically on death and dying to the same extent as thanatology does. Sociology looks at social structures and relationships; anthropology studies human cultures and evolution; psychology explores the mind and behavior, including aspects of grief and loss, but does not center specifically on the study of death as thanatology does.