HANDLING BODIES AFTER VIOLENT DEATH - STRATEGIES FOR COPING

Interviews with and observations of experienced and inexperienced pers onnel were conducted to determine their coping strategies before, duri ng, and after their work with the bodies of people who had died violen tly. Avoidance, denial, and social support from the work group and spo use appeared to facilitate coping. The implications of these findings for therapeutic intervention are discussed.