College Students' Comfort Level Discussing Death With Faculty and Perceptions of Faculty Support for Grief-Affected Students

Authors

  • Amy S. Hedman Minnesota State University, Mankato Author

Abstract

Students' comfort discussing death with faculty, views regarding faculty's likelihood to provide accommodations to grief-affected students, and perceived empathy of faculty were assessed. Undergraduate students (n = 371) attending a Midwestern university completed the Student Survey on Grief Issues. Twenty-six percent reported the death of at least one close loved one since college. Over 30% reported being comfortable discussing such a death with a professor, 37% discussing it with an advisor. Forty percent stated that faculty members were empathetic. Students perceived that professors were more likely to provide accommodations closer to the date of death than later on. Faculty are encouraged to know the potential effects of grief for students and the services available.

Published

2024-03-23