Parts that hold one together: Compartmentalization as resilience in body handling.

Abstract

Exposure to dead bodies is widely recognized as a profoundly traumatic experience that is frequently linked to elevated levels of psychological distress. This study aimed to explore the strategies implemented by body handlers to preserve their psychological well-being while fulfilling their duties. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 Israeli reservist soldiers called up to duty to handle human remains following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of their narratives revealed three interrelated forms of compartmentalization: the self, the deceased, and the event narrative. Rather than indicating psychological dysfunction, these forms of compartmentalization emerged as purposeful adaptive mechanisms that enabled the participants to navigate extreme emotional strain. These findings suggest that compartmentalization functions as a structural strategy through which otherwise overwhelming experiences become psychologically manageable. The practical implications for mental health professionals working in similar populations are discussed.