A Quantitative Study of Graduate Student Grief Experiences

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of grief among graduate students, the effects of their grief, types of support utilized, and risk of prolonged grief disorder. Approximately 26% of graduate students (N = 1,575) experienced the loss of a significant person or pet in their lives within the past 24 months. Graduate students reported various grief effects, primarily emotional effects, and utilized support predominantly from family and friends. Only a small percentage (0.5%) of graduate students met the criteria for prolonged grief disorder; however, each student also reported being diagnosed with other mental health illnesses. Implications of these findings are provided, along with recommendations for future research.