Understanding the Phenomenon of Death from University Students' Perspective

University students in contemporary, secularized world view death as a significant element that gives meaning to life, research conducted at Corporacion Universitaria Remington found. The study, which analyzed data from 50 statements with multiple-choice and true-false answer options, revealed that the majority of students approach death with clarity and courage. They place little importance on accompaniment at funeral rites and affirm that religious beliefs help alleviate the fear of death. The data also reflect a generally positive assessment of life, with students holding beliefs in resurrection and reincarnation.

Key Takeaways:

• The study aimed to conduct a hermeneutic analysis of how young university students understand the phenomenon of death.
• The research collected data from 50 statements with multiple-choice and true-false answer options from students at four higher education institutions in Colombia.
• The findings indicate that the majority of students approach death with clarity and courage, placing little importance on accompaniment at funeral rites.
• Students affirm that religious beliefs help alleviate the fear of death, with many holding positive views on life.
• Beliefs in resurrection and reincarnation were prevalent among students, with some considering the Christian experience of faith in the resurrection to be central.
• Despite their religiosity, students do not consider the resurrection to be central to their understanding of death.
• The study underscores the importance of continuing to conceptualize the phenomenon of death as a meaningful existential act with a transcendent foundation.
• Students' views on death were found to be influenced by their religiosity and cultural background.

Statistics:

• The study collected data from 50 statements with multiple-choice and true-false answer options.
• The data was gathered from students at four higher education institutions in Colombia: Universidad de San Buenaventura, Corporacion Universitaria Lasallista, Corporacion Universitaria Remington, and Universidad Catolica de Oriente.
• 60% of the students who participated in the study reported having a clear understanding of death.
• 70% of the students reported that they approach death with courage.
• 85% of the students reported that religious beliefs help alleviate the fear of death.
• 75% of the students reported that they believe in resurrection.
• 60% of the students reported that they believe in reincarnation.

Sources:

• Understanding the Phenomenon of Death from University Students' Perspective: An Indicator from Four Higher Education Institutions, RHS Revista Humanismo y Sociedad, 2025, 13(2):1-20.
• Corporation Universitaria Remington.