Attitudes toward Classroom Discussions of Death and Dying among Urban and Suburban Children

Abstract

Fifty black inner-city children and fifty white suburban children were asked their views on discussing death in the classroom. The suburban upper-middle class children were significantly more likely to think that death should be discussed in the classroom. The reasons given for not wanting to discuss death also differed between the two groups. In urban children fear of bad things happening and unwanted emotions were the most frequent responses. In suburban children unwanted emotions was the most frequent response. A better understanding of death and preparation for loss were cited with equal frequency as reasons for discussing death by suburban children. The most frequently occurring response among those urban children who were positive toward discussing death was a better understanding of death. Some implications for death education were presented.