Stress Counseling An Assessment Study of the Need for Counseling for Mortuary Workers in Nairobi

Abstract

The study was carried out to assess the stress levels, effects of stress and the need for stress counseling among mortuary workers in Nairobi. The researcher's rationale for the study was that mortuary workers are a significant working population in any society whose members must die yet deserve decent burial rites. Apart from normal work stress experienced in work environments, mortuary workers get traumatized on the job. The consequent results are negative health effects, relationship conflicts and psychological disorders. To cope with these effects, the mortuary workers may engage in negative response behaviour like substance abuse, abusive relationships and work related conflicts and malpractice. To address these concerns the study was organized in a manner that it assessed stress levels, traumatic experiences, effects of stress (response to stress or coping mechanisms) and types of stressors and the need for counseling for mortuary workers. Suggestions were also drawn for the respondents on effective stress management strategies at their work places. To collect the relevant data for this study, the researcher administered 40 survey (self-report) questionnaires; out of which 37 (92.5%) were returned. Some 21 people were interviewed, making a total of 58 respondents. The researcher applied non-participant observation throughout the study. The findings were analyzed using SPSS version 11.5 with themes and categories drawn form the research objectives and questions. From the findings, it is clear that mortuary workers experience high stress levels and traumatic experience with consequent burnout marked by negative health effects. The three instruments revealed that there are specific stressors in the mortuaries. 86 Abstracts The study recommends the following provision of relevant work equipment and facilities, work orientation programs, skilled training, counseling, improved Human Resource (HR) policies, effort of the government, Ministry of Health, psychologists, and the mass media in giving the mortuary workers the support they require in delivering this noble service to the society