Normalizing discussions of mental health in forensic anthropology

TY - JOUR

T1 - Normalizing discussions of mental health in forensic anthropology

AU - Waxenbaum, Erin B.

AU - Pope, Katharine C.

N1 - Copyright: © 2025 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

PY - 2026/1/5

Y1 - 2026/1/5

N2 - Traditionally, forensic anthropologists worked on secured scenes or in academic labs. Today, practitioners are more involved in casework, working alongside forensic pathologists during autopsies, mass disasters, and interviewing relatives. This expanded role brings practitioners into closer and repeated contact with the emotional aspects of death and associated vicarious trauma (VT). While many forensic disciplines address the impact of VT, the effects on forensic anthropologists remain underexplored. The authors surveyed practitioners (N = 114) who worked with human remains in a medicolegal context part-time, full-time, or as a part of coursework. Questions focused on how practitioners acknowledge or support their mental health and which aspects of casework they find triggering or stressful. Respondents had the option to provide open text testimonials. Participants were triggered most by children/child abuse cases and testifying at trial. Stress was highest surrounding personal finances, work/life balance, engagement with supervisors, and speaking with decedents’ family/friends. While many felt supported by coworkers and supervisors, approximately half felt comfortable directly discussing their concerns. The majority noted availability to wellness programs and over half have sought professional support. Participants highlighted compartmentalization, peer/coworker support, and exercise/sports to cope with work-related stress. These results underscore challenges and resilience in forensic anthropology. Despite gaps in support, communication, and normalization of mental health discussions, practitioners demonstrated a commitment to their profession, supported by coping strategies and institutional resources. Continued efforts to address vicarious trauma in forensic anthropology practice are essential to fostering and normalizing a healthier, sustainable workforce.

AB - Traditionally, forensic anthropologists worked on secured scenes or in academic labs. Today, practitioners are more involved in casework, working alongside forensic pathologists during autopsies, mass disasters, and interviewing relatives. This expanded role brings practitioners into closer and repeated contact with the emotional aspects of death and associated vicarious trauma (VT). While many forensic disciplines address the impact of VT, the effects on forensic anthropologists remain underexplored. The authors surveyed practitioners (N = 114) who worked with human remains in a medicolegal context part-time, full-time, or as a part of coursework. Questions focused on how practitioners acknowledge or support their mental health and which aspects of casework they find triggering or stressful. Respondents had the option to provide open text testimonials. Participants were triggered most by children/child abuse cases and testifying at trial. Stress was highest surrounding personal finances, work/life balance, engagement with supervisors, and speaking with decedents’ family/friends. While many felt supported by coworkers and supervisors, approximately half felt comfortable directly discussing their concerns. The majority noted availability to wellness programs and over half have sought professional support. Participants highlighted compartmentalization, peer/coworker support, and exercise/sports to cope with work-related stress. These results underscore challenges and resilience in forensic anthropology. Despite gaps in support, communication, and normalization of mental health discussions, practitioners demonstrated a commitment to their profession, supported by coping strategies and institutional resources. Continued efforts to address vicarious trauma in forensic anthropology practice are essential to fostering and normalizing a healthier, sustainable workforce.

KW - coping

KW - forensic anthropology

KW - mental health

KW - normalization

KW - resiliency

KW - stress

KW - triggering casework

KW - vicarious trauma

KW - workforce wellness

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105023414405

U2 - 10.1111/1556-4029.70238

DO - 10.1111/1556-4029.70238

M3 - Article

C2 - 41312908

AN - SCOPUS:105023414405

SN - 0022-1198

VL - 71

SP - 90

EP - 104

JO - Journal of Forensic Sciences

JF - Journal of Forensic Sciences

IS - 1

ER -