2010 Volume 51 Issue 2 Pages 135-138
Embalming is the technique to sterilize, preserve and restore a corpse if necessary, enabling a long-term preservation. In late years, more than 10,000 processes of embalming are undergone annually in Japan. In this study, focusing on “embalming”, the authors examined the influence of an operation opportunity on work-motivation of embalmers, and investigated their psychological processes during the operation of dressing and makeup of a corpse. Five embalmers were asked to respond to an interview with nine open questions. As a result, there are two types of consciousnessfor the aim of operation: “focus on the satisfaction of a deceased” and “focus on the satisfaction of a bereaved”. The type of consciousness strongly affected understanding of the request from customer. In addition, they speak to a corpse seeking confirmation of the deceased while performing the operation of restoration of the damage of the corpse and finish of the makeup. However, since no appropriate feedback for the operation result tends to be provided, satisfaction for their duties and sense of accomplishment were obstructed.