This paper critically reviews published research since the early 1980s with a specific focus on the development of death concepts in children. Studies are reviewed with respect to the effects of age, cognitive development, type of object inquired about, culture & socioeconomic status, experience with death, & emotional factors on the development of children’s understanding of death. Directions for future resarch are presented with attention to theoretical issues & ongoing methodological problems in the study of children’s conceptions of death. (78 refs.)