02967    a2200253   450000500170000008200250001710000290004224502040007126400550027530000480033050400410037852019660041952600070238565000480239265000140244070000290245470000290248370000190251270000260253170000250255794200120258299900170259495201020261120260717091858.0  aTH 378.242 L784 20261 aZuniga, Zyrille Dorin M.  aThe lived experiences of embalmers in the death care profession / cZyrille Dorin M. Zuniga, Sherylmae D. Santillana, Jessie Lyn M. Alentajan, Owen N. Esler, Liza Lea M. Espiritu, Arabella A. Gallego 1aSibalom, Antique : bUniversity of Antique, c2026  aviii, 129 pages : billustrations ; c28 cm  aIncludes bibliographical references.  aAbstract

The work of embalmers is essential yet often overlooked in Philippine society. As the individuals responsible for preparing the deceased with dignity and supporting grieving families. embalmers navigate cmotional, physical, and social challenges that remain largely unrecognized. This study explored the lived experiences of licensed embalmers in San Jose and Sibalom, Antique, and examined how they create meaning from their work in the death-care profession. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed, anc six licensed embalmers were purposively selected. Data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Six themes emerged: (a) occupational health, (b) work struggles, (c) social consequences of death related profession, (d) building self-worth, (e) service with compassion, and (f realizations about life. Participants described initial fear, sleep disturbance, and emotiona discomfort during their_ first encounters with the deceased. The work struggles they experienced intensified their workload, exposing them to extreme physical anc psychological strain while receiving little recognition. They also recounted experiences of public stigma and stereotyped SO from others. Despite these challenges. embalmers expressed pride in their profession, a strong sense of duty, and deep compassion for the families they serve. Their constant exposure to death brought about meaningful reflections on life's fragility and the importance of valuing one's time and relationships. Overall findings highlight embalming as a deeply human profession-one that requires not only technical skill but emotional resilience, empathy, and ethical commitment. The study underscores the need for greater acknowledgment and support for embalmers as vita contributors to death-care services.

Keywords: embalming, lived experiences, death-care professionals, emotional labor, phenomenology  aTH  aHigher EducationvTheses and dissertations   aEmbalming1 aSantillana, Sherylmae D.1 aAlentajan, Jessie Lyn M.1 aEsler, Owen N.1 aEspiritu, Liza Lea M.1 aGallego, Arabella A.  2ddccTH  c41714d41714  00102ddc4070aSBbSBd2026-07-17l0oTH 378.242 L784 2026pTH 2483r2026-07-17w2026-07-17yTH