Date
11-11-2026
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Jeremiah Sullins
Keywords
compassion fatigue, funeral service, funeral service education, American Board for Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
Disciplines
Counseling
Recommended Citation
Cain, Darien B., "Compassion Fatigue within United States Funeral Professionals: The Need for Increased Education Within Funeral Service Curriculum" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 9069.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/9069
Abstract
Funeral service professionals are an integral part of society, caring not only for the deceased but also continuingly assisting bereaved families. Through this work, funeral professionals are exposed to both direct and indirect trauma, putting them at risk for developing mental health afflictions, including compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue education and training are protective factors against compassion fatigue, which enhance personal resilience. The current accredited funeral service curriculum lacks pertinent information regarding compassion fatigue. Interventions, education on terminology, and training integrated into the funeral service curriculum will help students learn stress-management and coping skills to prevent compassion fatigue in their future careers.
