What is death positivity?
04/02/25 at 03:00 AM
What is death positivity?
Healthline; by Sarah Choi, medically reviewed by Joslyn Jelinek, LCSW, ACSW, RDDP; 3/28/25
Death positivity involves acknowledging death as simply the final phase of life. It emphasizes open discussions around death and education on the options, rights, and choices surrounding it. ... The Death Positivity Movement was coined in 2011 by funeral director Caitlin Doughty, but the sentiment existed long before — the movement’s origins date back to the 1970s, drawing on the hospice movement. ...
Elements of the Death Positivity Movement:
- understanding the benefits of openly discussing, sharing, and learning about death
- keeping in mind that planning can help with stress and better prepare for death
- documenting wants and needs in advance to ensure end-of-life wishes are known and followed
- being conscious of traditional, natural, and environmentally friendly burial options