Supporting bereaved students in higher education: student perspectives

Bereavement is a universal experience common within the higher education student population. The present study aimed to understand the experiences and support needs of bereaved Australian university students. In semi-structured interviews, 12 students (10 women, 2 men; M age  = 38.13, SD = 15.37) sh...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of guidance & counselling 2023-05, Vol.51 (3), p.381-394
Main Authors: Spiccia, Chantal N., Howell, Joel A., Arnold, Carrie, Hay, Ashton, Breen, Lauren J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Academic Achievement
Bereavement
College Students
Counseling Services
counselling in higher education
Death
Foreign Countries
Grief
qualitative methods
Resources
School Health Services
Student Experience
Student Needs
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Summary:Bereavement is a universal experience common within the higher education student population. The present study aimed to understand the experiences and support needs of bereaved Australian university students. In semi-structured interviews, 12 students (10 women, 2 men; M age  = 38.13, SD = 15.37) shared their experiences of bereavement while studying. A thematic analysis resulted in three themes: Relationships between study and bereavement, Navigating the university system, and What students need. The findings highlighted varying levels of support accessed and level of need, which were influenced by the circumstances of the student and the loss, mode of study, personal resources, and perceptions of the university system's ability to help. The findings highlight the need to develop and communicate clear policies and procedures so that bereaved students are supported.
ISSN:0306-9885
1469-3534
DOI:10.1080/03069885.2022.2028721