First Advisor
Tina D. L. Burdsall
Date of Award
Summer 6-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and University Honors
Department
Psychology
Language
English
Subjects
Ecological Grief, Political Grief, Meaning Making, Institutional Support, Relationship to Grief
Abstract
The study aims to explore grief experiences of college students in relation to world issues, namely ecological and political concerns and ways of making/finding meaning, hope, and purpose. To address a gap in research on manifestations of combined and multifaceted world grief experiences, qualitative research was conducted in the form of semi-structured interviews with 6 different college students. Common themes arose from the interviewees' grief experiences including hopelessness, overwhelm, anger, and changed future planning. Additionally, participants shared their experience finding community, engaging in creative pursuits, and taking action against oppressive systems in order to experience hope and purpose individually and as a part of the collective.
Recommended Citation
Hlad, Katherine E., "Ecological and Political Grief in College Students: Making Meaning in Uncertain Times" (2026). University Honors Theses. Paper 1853.