Attitudes of Social Work Students Toward End-of-Life Planning

This study examined the attitudes of entry-level MSW students toward end-of-life planning and the factors associated with these attitudes. Subjects were MSW students ( N =267) in the foundation year of their programs. Correlations and t-tests found significant relationships between attitudes toward end-of-life planning and age, knowledge, personal comfort with end-of-life discussions, and personal desire for treatment. A hierarchical regression also showed the predictive importance of these variables. Students' attitudes toward end-of-life planning may be enhanced through professional education. Implications for education to prepare social workers to work with clients and their families toward effective end-of-life planning are discussed.