ABSTRACT
The knowledge of impending death has profound psychological and social impact on human beings. Humans are believed to be the only animals who know their own mortality. In an attempt to understand how humans cope with this knowledge, some have attempted to develop theories that give a road map for how to prepare for death. The psychological and spiritual aspects of coping with impending death are intertwined. It is an arena where psychology and religion overlap. How people cope emotionally is affected by their spiritual belief system, and their capacity for spiritual growth is influenced by psychological health. The International Work Group (IWG) on Death, Dying, and Bereavement is a voluntary non-profit organization composed of recognized leaders in the field. Hospice and palliative care programs are often in the difficult position of having to help people deal with the worst news they have ever received. In some respects, much of palliative care is helping people to face the truth.
