Although the fields of thanatology and traumatology have received robust attention during their parallel development, little effort has been made to address their overlapping territory. This volume is the first attempt to do so.
Specifically, the purpose of this book is fourfold. First is to provide a theoretical bridge between the two fields by providing conceptual terminology, such as defining "normal" versus "dysfunctional" bereavement and the meaning and range of death-related PTSD. The second confirms and illustrates the identical patterns of reactions between those who survive the death of a loved one and those who survive other traumatic events. Such an effort is part of the natural development of these fields of study. Next, the book applies the most useful theoretical models to the bereavement experience, and in turn acknowledges the utility of generalizing bereavement models to other traumatic experiences; in doing so, the two fields can enrich each other. Similarly, the volume's final purpose is to identify and apply the most useful and effective approaches in traumatology literature to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of traumatic stressors other than death.
