Funeral Directors Release Groundbreaking Zogby Survey on Consumer Attitudes toward Funeral Practices

ALBANY, NY (10/25/2010)(readMedia)-- Funeral Directors Release Groundbreaking Zogby Survey on Consumer Attitudes Toward Funeral Practices and Customs

The New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA) is proud to present the results of a landmark survey conducted by Zogby International exclusively for the Association. NYSFDA commissioned the world-renowned pollster to conduct a definitive, independent survey of a representative sample of New York State adults. Data were collected in August of this year.

According to Bonnie L. McCullough, CAE, NYSFDA Executive Director: "The Zogby Survey contains fresh new data that measures the attitudes of consumers in New York State towards numerous aspects of funerals and memorialization in general." Over 700 adults throughout the state took part in the first-ever survey of consumer attitudes on funeral-related topics that were limited to New York State

John Zogby, President and CEO of Zogby International, personally presented the findings to 600 funeral service professionals who attended NYSFDA's recent annual convention in Saratoga Springs. Over 700 adults throughout the state took part in the first-ever survey of consumer attitudes on funeral-related topics that was limited to New York State.

Among the key findings of the Zogby Report:

* New Yorkers have a more positive than negative reaction to hearing the words "funeral director", and a majority considers them trustworthy. When it comes to deciding on a funeral home, the reputation of the director is a big factor, as are the recommendations of family and friends;

* A majority of the New Yorkers surveyed think that having a funeral when someone dies is important, and while most think that the importance of the ritual in today's society has remained the same, a third say it has diminished;

* Nine in ten agree that memorial services are important when someone dies, and the majority also agree that religious beliefs affect the type of services they would select at a funeral and that a religious celebrant is required to be part of the service;

* At least half find meaning in a eulogy/tribute by family/loved ones, calling hours at the funeral home, a service conducted by clergy or other celebrant, and a graveside service, and will select a casket/urn, calling hours, and a service of remembrance, when the time comes to actually plan a funeral;

* Most respondents say they will arrive at a decision on which funeral home to use themselves, but some say a relative will influence their choice;

* Respondents are split as to whether they have had a personal experience at a funeral home in the past five years, but those who have rate it positively, mainly thanks to the funeral director and the quality of the services performed;

* More people prefer cremations than burials, but for those who will be purchasing caskets, few are likely to consider purchasing one at a chain retailer, mainly because they think a funeral home should handle such things;

* Very few of the New Yorkers polled have pre-arranged or pre-paid for their funerals, but of those who haven't, more are likely to consider it than not.

"This authoritative survey of consumers in New York State reaffirms that people rightly view the role funeral directors play as pivotal to the overall funeral/burial process. Even though today's lifestyles are changing and less attention is paid to formal religious rituals, the study also reflects that funeral services and memorialization continue to be an important ritual in the grieving process. By honoring and celebrating the life of the deceased with a formal funeral service and an appropriate memorial, funeral directors help to calm our grief and help us reach closure," according to Ms. McCullough.

Founded in 1889, NYSFDA's mission is to promote the highest standards of funeral service to the public and to enhance the environment in which its members operate. Over 900 member firms and 3500 licensed funeral directors who operate across the state belong to the New York State Funeral Directors Association. In addition to maintaining a Web site at www.nysfda.org, NYSFDA also publishes a quarterly newspaper column "Transitions," as well as brochures which educate and

inform consumers about end-of-life issues.

Zogby International, a public opinion, research, and business solutions firm with experience working in more than 70 countries around the globe, specializes in telephone, Internet, and face-to-face survey research and analysis for corporate, political, nonprofit, and governmental clients.

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Editor's Note: For more information, or to schedule an interview with NYSFDA Executive Director Bonnie McCullough, please call Randy McCullough at 518-452-8230 or Vera Nuspliger at 518-882-9816; cell 518-424-8719