Date of Publication

12-1-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences major in Organizational and Social Systems Development

Subject Categories

Sociology

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Behavioral Sciences

Thesis Advisor

Myla M. Arcinas

Defense Panel Chair

Yellowbelle D. Duaqui

Defense Panel Member

Marlon D.L. Era

Abstract (English)

Filipino embalmers are subjected to social, cultural, and psychological stigma, despite their occupational necessity. This explanatory, quantitative study examined Occupational Identity Concealment Behavior (OICB), specifically how stigma predicts OICB and how OICB predicts Psychological Distress (PD), Meaningfulness at Work (MAW), and Social Connectedness (SC). An online, structured questionnaire was self-administered to 87 active, licensed Filipino embalmers in Luzon, Philippines. Descriptive statistics and simple linear regression analyses were employed. Respondents scored moderate stigma. However, low OICB scores suggest embalmers compartmentalize external stigma through active identity management. Mild PD is exhibited, possibly due to faith-based coping, habituation, and cultural acceptance of death, while moderate SC likely comes from shared national identity and strong in-group support. High MAW suggests a strong sense of professional calling among embalmers. Predictive relationships exist between stigma and OICB; however, internalized psychological stigma was the main driver rather than social and cultural stigma (external), entailing an internalized battle of self-regulation. Additionally, OICB is a significantly strong positive predictor of higher PD and lower SC. However, MAW has a significant but weak negative relationship with OICB, as collectivist values of pakikisama and hiya shift OICB’s objective from inauthenticity to a pro-social strategy. These findings extend Goffman’s Stigma Theory, where OICB serves as an active identity management strategy to combat internal stigma. Through reframing, reorienting, and resignifying their work, embalmers perceive their profession as an essential grief service. This study provides insights into enhancing stigma management, mental health support, and positive workplace practices among embalmers.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

Nararanasan ng mga Pilipinong embalsamador ang social, cultural, at psychological stigma sa kabila ng kahalagahan ng kanilang propesyon. Sinuri gamit ng explanatory at quantitative na pag-aaral na ito ang kanilang Occupational Identity Concealment Behavior (OICB), partikular sa kung paano ito naiimpluwnesyahan ng stigma, at kung paano rin nito naapektuhan ang kanilang Psychological Distress (PD), Meaningfulness At Work (MAW), at Social Connectedness (SC). Isang online structured questionnaire ang ipinasagot sa 87 lisensyado at aktibong embalsamador sa Luzon. Ang mga datos ay sinuri gamit ang descriptive statistics at simple linear regression.

Ipinakita ng mga resulta na may moderate stigma ang mga respondente. Gayunpaman, mababa ang antas ng OICB, na nagpapahiwatig ng compartmentalization sa pamamagitan ng active identity management. Nakapagtala rin sila ng mild PD, moderate SC, at mataas na MAW. Natuklasan na ang internalized psychological stigma ang pangunahing dahilan ng OICB, sa halip na cultural at social stigma (external) na nagpapahiwatig ng self-regulation. Bukod dito, ang OICB ay makabuluhang positibong prediktor ng mataas na PD at mababang SC. Ang MAW naman ay may mahinang negatibong ugnayan sa OICB, na ginagawang pro-social na estratehiya dahil sa mga kolektibistang prinsipyo ng pakikisama at hiya. Pinapalawig ng mga natuklasan ang Stigma Theory ni Goffman, kung saan ang OICB ay nagsisilbing aktibong identity management strategy laban sa internal stigma. Sa pamamagitan ng reframing, reorienting, at resignifying, tinatanaw ng mga embalsamador ang kanilang propesyon bilang isang 'essential grief service'. Nag-aalok ang pag-aaral na ito ng pagpapalawig ng mas mabuting stigma management, mental health support, at positive workplace practices.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Embalming--Philippines

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Embargo Period

12-1-2025

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