Attitudes of future teachers toward death education: An analysis of the impact of multiple factors.

Abstract

The aim of this research is to analyze the attitude of future teachers toward death education and which are the factors that influence their predisposition about it. For this, a quantitative study with a descriptive-inferential cross-sectional design was carried out with a sample composed of 204 Primary Education Degree students from the University of Malaga. The Death Education Attitudes Scale-Teachers was implemented as a validated instrument, in which biological, emotional, identity, contextual, formative and motivational factors were considered within the attitude's incidence. The results show a moderately positive attitude, with significant differences according to the mentioned factors (sex, loss of a beloved one, anxiety about death, religious belief, type of school, teaching method, particular interest about this topic, etc.). As a conclusion, there is a need to adopt educational policies that reformulate future teachers' initial training and that considerate emotional management toward death.