Death Orientation and Communication with the Terminally Ill

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between attitude toward death and the terminal patient and communication with the terminally ill. Participants were medical students and family physicians at a Midwestern university. Instruments included a Terminal Illness Questionnaire and a Threat Index modified to include measures of identification with the patient, as well as of death orientation. Relationships were found between the indices and factors used in determining whether to reveal a terminal diagnosis.