APPRAISAL AND CONSEQUENCES OF CADAVER DISSECTION IN UNIOSUN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES By Falana, Benedict A. Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, UNIOSUN, Nigeria.

Abstract First exposure to human cadaver dissection has the potential to be an actual stressor which can cause psychological and emotional trauma. This study examines the differences between the effect of first exposure and four months after the first exposure on 56 medical students ( Thirty- three 200level and Twenty-three 300 level students), thus this study examines the relationship between Anatomy students’ experience of this potential stressor and various psychological and personal factors.

Abstract Quetionnaires measuring emotional reactions to Cadaver dissection, coping strategies, personality of the Cadaver, and their attitudes to death were administered to the students. Data on these variables were obtained from the 56 students. Students found the experience mostly challenging, and on average, did not report serious emotional difficulties. However, a minority of students (10/56) experienced serious adverse consequences. It is possible that the typical student who undertakes an Anatomy course is already prepared psychologically for such transactions. However, low cost desensitisation programs could be made available for the minority of individuals who may experience adverse reactions in this situation in other medical schools as the case may be.

Types of Appraisals Primary and Secondary Primary : refers to evaluation made by individuals of the nature and meaning of particular transaction in relation to their well being either negative or positive. In a positive case individual perceives the transaction as challenging or beneficial and as an opportunity for mastery and growth, while a negative appraisal means that the individual perceives the transaction as threatening and can result in a loss of health, self- esteem or other aspects of psychological well being.

Specific aims and objectives The aims and objectives of this research work are to (a)Describe any adverse consequences of first exposure to cadaver dissection reported by the anatomy students both initially and three months after and (b) Identify correlates of stress outcome or appraisal among the students after their first exposure to cadaver dissection, describe the outcomes of the students of primary appraisal.

The graphical representation of three variants of primary appraisal taken by four category of students. The green bar represents cases of students who found the transaction mostly challenging or beneficial and as an opportunity for mastery and growth which is highest in category four which was observed in the final exposure to cadaver exposure.

Results ThreatLossChallengingOwn deathIndifferent

Results The results indicate that about 46 % of the students found the experience mostly challenging, however a small minority of about 27% appraised the situation as highly threatening, and an even number of about 9% expressed strong feelings of loss.

Those who reported serious adverse consequences such as experiencing nightmares and feelings of inability to cope were 2 in number representing a small percentage of the study population.

frequencytotal% Describe the smell and feel of cadaver See a video in advance 4567 Make the room less cold and eerie Mask the smell Indifferent656

Summary This study found that serious adverse consequences of initial exposure to cadaver dissection were experienced by only a small proportion of students. Unfortunately, none of these variables included in this study were strong predictors of adverse outcomes. Nevertheless, the inabilty to “ profile at risk” students may be less of an issue if the suggested intervention is adopted by institutions of higher learning in Medicine especially in Africa.

Conclusion In conclusion, low cost desensitization programs could me made available for the minority of individuals who may experience adverse reactions in this situation.

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REFERENCES FERGUSON, E MATTHEWS, G AND COX, T(1999)APPRAISAL OF LIFE EVENTS(ALE) SCALE: REHABILITATION VALIDITY.BRIT J HEALTH PSYCHOL, 4:97-116

VITALLINO,PP MAIURO,RD, RUSSO J KATON,W DEWOLF,D HALL,G. COPING PROFILES ASSOCIATED WITH PSYCHIATRIC,PHYSICAL HEALTH,WORK AND FAMILY PROBLEMS.HEALTH PSYCHOL 9:348-76