Foreseeing a Need for Counselling Practices for Mortuary Workers

Abstract

The subculture of mortuary workers spends much of its working hours with the dead. Society fails to acknowledge much of the psychological distress they experience, such as use of maladaptive coping mechanisms, substance use etc. Few studies have investigated mortuary workers, especially in developing nations. This exploratory study in Bengaluru, India aimed to gather and consider the perspectives of three mortuary workers, one doctor of forensic medicine and one mental health professional regarding the stresses of working with death. A thematic analysis of these interviews revealed the themes of occupational support and psychological effects of mortuary work. The unique nature of their job suggests further research is required regarding a need for counselling practices, designed to alleviate their stress.