Dealing with the nuclear threat as a function of grieving

Abstract

The psychological process of dealing with the threat of nuclear war may be considered as a process of accommodation to a major loss or threat of a loss. In effect, this represents a special case of the grieving process first delineated by Dr E. Kubler‐Ross when she studied accommodation to impending death. By considering where a person is in his or her grieving syndrome with respect to the nuclear issue, we may be more capable of improving our communication with that person and help to facilitate the process of coming fully to terms with this most important threat to our health.

Key Words:

• Nuclear war threat
• Psychological defence mechanisms
• Empowerment