Death, Dying and Bereavement

Fear marks the boundary between the known and the unknown. Some Chinese people believe that talking about death will increase the likelihood of occurrence. Also, by talking about death, evil spirits will be attracted to haunt people. In facing death, individual response is inevitably moulded by the values, attitudes, and beliefs of one's culture. Despite the large Chinese emigrant population in major cities in the world, available material in English on death, dying and bereavement among Chinese people is scarce. As Hong Kong is a place where East meets West, most professionals working in the field of death, dying and bereavement adapt knowledge from the West to their practice with the Chinese population. The intention of this volume is to consolidate and disseminate valuable practical wisdom with professionals in the local and international communities who serve Chinese patients and their family members. Both Editors are from the Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong. Professor Cecilia Lai Wan Chan has done extensive research in psychosocial oncology, behavioral health, grief, loss and bereavement. Amy Yin Man Chow, an Honorary Clinical Associate in the department, is a registered social worker specialized in bereavement counselling.