Ethics, care, and identity: A phenomenological qualitative study on the professional experience of deathcare workers

Deathcare workers are routinely exposed to suffering and death, yet their contributions remain largely invisible. This study investigated how they construct and uphold their professional identity within this challenging context. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, we conducted 44 interviews with Italian forensic pathologists (n = 12), palliative care staff (n = 14), funeral home workers (n = 12), and cemetery workers (n = 7). One Group Experiential Theme emerged "Being (In)visible: Professional Identity Between Perceived Value and Denied Social Recognition", supported by profession-specific sub-themes: sense and justice, guidance, care, and guardianship. Across groups, identity was anchored in ethical commitment, relational presence, and emotional labor (calibrated detachment, black humor, ritual precision), which sustained dignity for the living and the dead despite limited recognition. Resilience stemmed from moral purpose, collegial solidarity, and symbolic practices, while frustrations arose from administrative burdens and social stigma. Findings reflect an Italian purposive sample, limiting generalization, and underscore the need for organizational recognition and reflective supervision.