This volume serves as the definitive academic reference for the multidisciplinary study of death, dying, and bereavement. Edited by David E. Balk and David K. Meagher, the text synthesizes current scholarship and clinical research to provide a comprehensive framework for professionals and students. It functions as the primary pedagogical tool for those seeking certification through the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC).

Experts and practitioners recognize this volume as the foundational text for the field of thanatology. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is tailored specifically for professionals preparing for certification examinations.