Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)

Grief Perceptions and Education Analysis

Richardson Ball Room (DIGS)

Grief is one of the most universal experiences we share. Yet, it is often misunderstood and even avoided. For many helping professionals, having knowledge and skills to help those who are grieving is critical. Even though grief is prevalent in our lives, previous studies suggest that there is a lack of grief education within predominant helping professions. These studies also emphasize the need for core curriculum in these fields to incorporate grief and loss education. This study examines the educational preparation for grief management in core curriculum courses for undergraduate social work, exercise science, and health care management majors. Specifically, this study compares students’ definitions of grief, their exposure to content on grief in their major core curriculum, and their perceptions of the importance of having a knowledge base of understanding in their professional roles. This study will also offer considerations to faculty for inclusion of grief content in social work, exercise science, and healthcare management programs.