Social Functions of Denial of Death

Abstract

Denial of death has been the focus of much writing in the thanatological literature. Much of this literature has viewed denial as disfunctional in the treatment of terminal illness. Denial has been defined in psychodynamic terms as the defense mechanism which protects dying patients from disabling awareness of the danger of impending death. This paper explores both the social nature of denial and the functionality of denial in preserving relationships threatened by knowledge of terminal illness. It asserts that denial serves to forestall social withdrawal by the patient and his/her social circle, as well as promoting role enactments necessary to medical treatment.