The psychological effects of dissecting human cadavers

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the extent of the psychological influence that human cadaver dissection has on Homoeopathy and Chiropractic students. Changes in axiety levels, appraisals (of the self, the situation and the environment), coping strategies and behavioural changes were investigated during the following four dissection phases: (i) before the dissection started (preparation); (ii) the first dissection period (exposure); (iii) two weeks after dissection started (development of resources) and (iv) three months after dissection started (stabilisation). Anxiety levels were measured using the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale and the Templer Death Anxiety Scale. The remaining sections of the self-administered questionnaire included open and closed ended sections. Anxiety levels were found to be low, possibly due to students being previously exposure to the dissection hall, during peer tutoring sessions. Although active coping strategies were used most often, no clear pattern emerged with regard to which coping strategy was more effective in dealing with dissection anxiety.