4-Mat Review; Leming and Dickinson
Laura Romine
Liberty University

Abstract
Authors Leming and Dickinson (2011) bring the discussion of death, dying and bereavement into the 21st century. Focusing the reader’s attention with a renewed perspective in thanatology, authors help redefine, perpetuate conversation, and add relevance to the topic harmoniously. Orienting the reader to individualistic theories that reach beyond universal attentions, Leming and Dickinson (2011) guide the discussion into a new era of defining a natural, yet, unavoidable topic. A re-education of sorts, thanatology is revived in accordance to contemporary day and time.
Keywords: spirituality, death, dying, bereavement, suicide
4-Mat Review; Leming and Dickinson
Leming & Dickinson (2011), pen about the manner of dying, death and bereavement supported by research and contemporary social theories. Emphasizing experiential knowledge which reinforces concepts of death, dying, and bereavement, a social-psychological tactic was employed throughout the four chapters. Life span comparisons expanded the reader’s perspective. Not to leave out other approaches, concepts are advanced through biological, philosophical and anthropological edifications as well. These systems reveal the interactivity of behavior and subjectivity within the subject matter.
Summary
Chapter one develops death and dying through the lens of human development and educational theories. Approaching death and dying by means of examining related behaviors develops meaning. Important to most individuals is the significance of death’s connotation which appears to be fundamentally and universally social. Popular culture, terrorism, religiosity, memorials/rituals, and medical advances help conceptualize todays meaning of death. Educational constructs deal with coping skills, mortality, compassion, cultural differences