Preparing Students for Effective Social Work Practice Related to Death

Abstract

Increasing attention is being given to social work practice related to death, dying, and survival. Effective practice in these areas requires not only knowledge of the problems associated with dying but also skill and sufficient comfort to extend appropriate help. The present article describes a module in the general social work practice sequence at the University of Hawaii School of Social Work that offers students an opportunity to develop both a skill and a knowledge base, as well as an exploration of their own personal experiences with—and reactions to—death.