Is Grief Linked to Academics?

In 2006, a study done by a professor at Purdue University found that grief negatively impacted the academic performance of students. Results of the study concluded that all bereaved undergraduates had significantly lower grade-point averages than a comparative group of students.

The study was done using 227 Purdue students.

Heather Servaty-Seib, an Assistant Professor of Education, who conducted the study said these findings will be useful for universities as they consider how to help these students.

"College campuses can be difficult places to experience grief," she said. "It's important for faculty and staff to acknowledge the emotional and cognitive effect that experiencing a death loss has on students. With greater acknowledgement, students are likely to feel greater support, experience less isolation and, therefore, function more effectively."

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