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Menzies RE, McMullen K, Riotto GD, Iliescu S, Petrovic B, Remfrey M. From dread to disorder: A meta-analysis of the impact of death anxiety on mental illness symptoms. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 113:102490. [PMID: 39208495 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Growing research suggests that death anxiety may be transdiagnostic, playing a key role in the development and symptomology of psychopathology. This meta-analysis examined the relationship between death anxiety and mental illness symptoms. In total, 104 papers were included, representing cross-sectional data from 99 studies (ntotal = 24,434), and experimental data from 11 studies (ntotal = 1372). Meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies indicated a moderate correlation (r = 0.397) between death anxiety and overall mental illness symptoms. The clinical nature of the group emerged as a significant moderator of this effect. In addition, the relationship between death anxiety and mental illness symptoms was larger for clinical samples (r = 0.580), and for anxiety-related symptoms (r = 0.506) than for depression. Additional meta-analyses of 11 mortality salience studies revealed that death reminders had an overall moderate impact on clinical symptoms (Hedge's g = 0.481). The relevance of the sample to the symptom being measured significantly predicted this relationship; that is, the effect was moderate-to-large (Hedge's g = 0.671) when excluding comparison subgroups for which the effect was not predicted by the authors. The clinical nature of the sample did not significantly moderate the effect. The experimental studies were generally of higher quality and lower risk of publication bias compared to cross-sectional studies. These findings support the strong transdiagnostic role of death anxiety across numerous disorders. Clinical implications include the potential need to treat death anxiety directly, to maximise long-term therapy benefits.
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Cherry J, Black LW. "Talking About Funerals Won't Make You Dead": Dialogic Tensions in Death Café Design and Facilitation. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241272716. [PMID: 39169506 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241272716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Death Cafes (DCs) explicitly encourage conversation and constitute space to explore the dialogue around death and dying. This study draws on scholarship from communication and dialogue theory to explore the design features and facilitation practices used within DC meetings. Through qualitative analysis of the DC webpage and interviews with facilitators, the study uncovers how DC facilitators structure and manage conversations to help attendees normalize death conversations and manage the death anxiety of others in their lives. The analysis highlights three main tensions within the DC structure and facilitation guidelines: structure versus openness, authority versus equality, and conversation versus information. These fundamental contradictions are inherent in DCs, and facilitators need to manage them in order to promote meaningful dialogue among DC participants. This study deepens the theorizing around DC facilitation practices and has implications for death and dying practitioners hoping to foster dialogue about end-of-life topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cherry
- School of Communication Studies, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Laura W Black
- School of Communication Studies, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
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Husain W, Malik MM, Shakeel A, Riaz A, Mahnoor, Jahrami H. The Psychopathological Predictors and Effects of Death Anxiety. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241272502. [PMID: 39098989 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241272502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Death anxiety has been linked to several psychopathological conditions. However, the causes, comorbidity, and differential diagnosis of death anxiety is unexplored. This paper stands out by identifying common predictors of death anxiety and exploring the potential of death anxiety as a predictor for other psychological conditions. The paper reports the findings of four consecutive studies that involved a total of 2291 conveniently selected participants including 861 men and 1430 women. We focused on clarifying both the predictors of death anxiety and the psychopathological consequences emerging from it. Our findings established depression, anxiety, stress, fear of aging, and reduced life satisfaction as predictors of death anxiety. Psychosocial illness, sleep disturbances, aggression, and daily hassles were established as the adverse outcomes of death anxiety. Fear of aging was the most significant predictor of death anxiety and daily hassles emerged as the most significant adverse consequence of death anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Husain
- Department of Humanities, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Amna Shakeel
- Department of Humanities, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Aliya Riaz
- Department of Humanities, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mahnoor
- Department of Humanities, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Haitham Jahrami
- Government Hospitals, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
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Zampella BJ, Benau EM. Delay of Gratification, Gender Role Attitudes, and Death Reflections Predict Death Anxiety. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024; 89:1142-1161. [PMID: 35445615 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221085177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous work has established that gender, age, and self-control can predict Death Anxiety (DA), the distress that centers around thoughts of one's mortality. However, it has not been determined if DA is associated with Delay of Gratification (DG; a tendency to forgo immediate rewards to receive a more favorable outcome in the future), attitudes toward gender roles (as compared to gender identity itself), and Death Reflections (DR; positive goals that occur when contemplating death). To examine these relations, 131 adults (45% women; aged 23-67 years) completed questionnaires that assess these constructs. We found that greater DG, egalitarian gender role attitudes, and engagement with DR were all associated with reduced DA. Gender identity was not associated with any variable, including DA. Age correlated independently with DA, but not when included in the regression models. These results demonstrate that elements of self-regulation and prosocial attitudes may predict baseline DA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan J Zampella
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Erik M Benau
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, USA
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Ng R, Indran N. Questions About Aging and Later Life on Quora. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnae060. [PMID: 38813784 PMCID: PMC11263882 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnae060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Gerontologists have yet to explore the types of questions individuals have about later life. Analyzing questions offers a unique perspective on how individuals make sense of age-related issues. Specifically, questions require people to articulate specific inquiries or doubts, thus providing an unfiltered glimpse into the public's concerns and priorities vis-à-vis aging. We conduct a content analysis of questions posted on Quora that pertain to later life. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We compiled 2,950 questions posted across four topics on Quora: "Aging," "Senior Citizens," "Elders" and "Older People." After applying our exclusion criteria, 658 questions were left for content analysis. These questions received more than 250 million views. Both deductive and inductive approaches guided the qualitative analysis. RESULTS Five themes emerged from the analysis. The biggest theme (30%; N = 195) dealt with 'Practical Concerns' (Theme 1). The next biggest theme (29%; N = 191) was about "Health and Well-Being" (Theme 2). Theme 3 was about the 'Prolongation of Youth' (16%; N = 110) and Theme 4 was about the 'Science of Aging' (15%; N = 97). Theme 5 covered 'Existential Concerns' (10%; N = 65). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS There is a need to address concerns that the public has about aging, particularly those involving practical issues and health. Growing old is unavoidable and with the population aging at a rapid pace, assuaging such concerns is of paramount importance. By doing so, individuals can approach the aging process with greater clarity and an elevated sense of empowerment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reuben Ng
- Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Lloyd’s Register Foundation Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicole Indran
- Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Ying L, Yuyu D, Qinqin Z, Yu Y, Qingxuan N, Zhihuan Z. Death anxiety among caregivers of patients with advanced cancer: a cross-sectional survey. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:510. [PMID: 39002026 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08707-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate death anxiety (DA) in caregivers of patients with advanced cancer and identify associated factors in the context of Chinese culture. METHODS Caregivers (N = 588) of advanced cancer patients in a tertiary cancer hospital completed anonymous questionnaire surveys. Measures included the Chinese version of the Templer Death Anxiety Scale (C-T-DAS), the Quality-of-Life Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Scale, and the Social Support Rating Scale. Data were analyzed in SPSS (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA) using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation test, and linear regression. RESULTS Respondents returned 588 (93.03%) of the 632 questionnaires. The total C-T-DAS score was 7.92 ± 2.68 points. The top-scoring dimension was "Stress and pain" (3.19 ± 1.29 points), followed by "Emotion" (2.28 ± 1.31 points) and "Cognition" (1.40 ± 0.94 points). In contrast, the lowest-scoring dimension was "Time" (1.06 ± 0.77 points). Factors associated with DA (R2 = 0.274, F = 13.348, p < 0.001) included quality of life (QoL), trait anxious personality, social support, caregiver length of care, caregiver gender, and patients' level of activities of daily living (ADL). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated high levels of DA in caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. Generally, female caregivers and those with low social support had high DA. Caregivers caring for patients with low ADL levels or with a low QoL and trait anxious personality reported high DA. Certain associated factors help to reduce caregivers DA. Social interventions are recommended to improve the end-of-life transition and trait anxious personality as well as quality of life for caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. of China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Duan Yuyu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. of China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Zhao Qinqin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. of China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. of China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Niu Qingxuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. of China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Zhou Zhihuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. of China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, P.R. China.
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7
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Officer A, Pautex S, Badache A, Broers B, Prina M. Systematic review on attitudes towards death and dying in adults 50 years and older living in countries with community transmission of COVID-19. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 127:105573. [PMID: 39032313 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored older adults' vulnerability to severe illness or death. Increased public awareness of mortality, with daily reminders of preventive measures, spurred interest in understanding the impact on death-related thoughts. This systematic review analyses existing literature on death attitudes among individuals aged 50 and older during the COVID-19 pandemic and focuses on associated factors. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using the WHO COVID database without any language limit, up until April 2023. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Included studies were systematically analysed and summarized using a predefined data extraction sheet. RESULTS Of the 2297 studies identified, 9 met inclusion criteria. The review showed moderate to high levels of death anxiety during the pandemic, linked to direct health risks from COVID-19 rather than mitigation measures. The impact of health and personal factors on older people's death anxiety was complex, with a range of health and personal factors such as chronic conditions, loss of capacity, loneliness, occupation, and resilience associated with it, suggesting potential intervention avenues. CONCLUSION The systematic review shows a significant link between COVID-19 and heightened death anxiety among individuals aged 50 and above. Negative attitudes to death can harm physical and mental health, diminish life satisfaction, increase avoidance behaviour, impair coping mechanism and undermine end-of-life decision making. Findings underscore the need for further research into risk and protective factors (personal, health, and environmental) and the importance of standardized data collection to guide interventions and public health strategies aimed at mitigating death anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Officer
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Demographic Change and Healthy Ageing, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Sophie Pautex
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Readaptation and Geriatrics, University Hospital Geneva, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Barbara Broers
- Department of Community Health and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva
| | - Matthew Prina
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Medical Sciences Faculty, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
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8
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Foo BMY, Sharpe L, Clayton JM, Wiese M, Menzies RE. The role of psychologists in supporting illness-related dying and death: A systematic mixed studies review. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 110:102393. [PMID: 38615491 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Psychologists remain underrepresented in end-of-life care, and there is limited understanding of their role among healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers. This systematic mixed-studies review, prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020215775), explored the role of psychologists, and the facilitators and barriers they experience, in supporting clients with illness-related dying and death. A search of six research databases was conducted in October 2023. Fifty-one studies, mainly qualitative and from the perspectives of psychologists, met inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis highlighted how psychologists provided expertise across various contexts. They supported clients with preparing for death, and adjusting to dying, provided professional consultancy and support, and undertook leadership in enhancing psychological end-of-life care. Results illustrated the sustaining factors and ongoing challenges working in end-of-life care, namely, the unique nature of navigating the death space, recognition and awareness of psychologists' contribution, and the support, training and development required. Given the universality of dying and death, this review is relevant to psychologists working within and beyond more traditional end-of-life care contexts, such as employee assistance programs, private practice, schools, and other psychological services. Policy, clinical and research implications are discussed, including the need for greater engagement and training of psychologists in the dying and death space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baby M Y Foo
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - Louise Sharpe
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - Josephine M Clayton
- The Palliative Centre, HammondCare, Greenwich Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - Michele Wiese
- School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales 2751, Australia.
| | - Rachel E Menzies
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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9
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Menzies RE, Richmond B, Sharpe L, Skeggs A, Liu J, Coutts-Bain D. The 'revolving door' of mental illness: A meta-analysis and systematic review of current versus lifetime rates of psychological disorders. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 63:178-196. [PMID: 38197576 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Therapists have long observed a phenomenon referred to as the 'revolving door' of mental health services, in which individuals often develop, seek treatment for, and recover from multiple mental illnesses across their life. However, this has not been systematically examined. If this phenomenon is widespread, one would expect that the number of lifetime disorders would exceed that of current disorders. The aim of this meta-analysis was to test this hypothesis. METHODS A search was conducted of the following databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science. In total, 38 studies were included in the current review; 27 of these contained sufficient quantitative data to be included in the meta-analysis, addressing the primary research aim. The remaining 11 studies were included in the systematic review only. RESULTS Meta-analyses of the 27 studies indicated that the average number of lifetime disorders was 1.84 times that of current disorders. Previous treatment significantly moderated this relationship, while the clinical nature of the sample did not. Examination of the remaining studies revealed common temporal sequences, indicating disorders which typically develop first or consequently to other disorders. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide support for the revolving door of mental illness, suggesting a need for transdiagnostic treatments and broader conceptualisation of relapse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Louise Sharpe
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amira Skeggs
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janessa Liu
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Belak RM, Goh KH. Death anxiety and religiosity in a multicultural sample: a pilot study examining curvilinearity, age and gender in Singapore. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1398620. [PMID: 38863661 PMCID: PMC11165362 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1398620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the association between multidimensional death anxiety and religiosity in multicultural Singapore by examining potential variations by age and gender. We also explored the possibility of a curvilinear effect, where highly religious or non-religious individuals report lower death anxiety than moderately religious people, forming an inverted U-curve pattern. Data were collected from 110 participants using questionnaires that assessed death anxiety and religiosity. Parametric and non-parametric tests were then conducted. The findings showed that women had significantly higher death anxiety and religiosity than men, and highly and moderately religious people had significantly higher death anxiety than non-religious people. People of all age groups had similar levels of death anxiety. These findings highlight the importance of developing targeted death anxiety interventions that integrate spiritual aspects in Singapore so that clinicians can provide culturally competent care.
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Forrester M, Sharpe L, Menzies RE. Starving off death: Mortality salience impacts women's body image and disordered eating. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38753898 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2352732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
From a Terror Management perspective, the pursuit of thinness that characterizes eating disorders (EDs) is arguably a culturally endorsed way to mitigate death anxiety. In the present studies, we used the mortality salience (MS) paradigm to examine whether priming death increases ED symptoms. We recruited two samples of women from undergraduate (Study 1, N = 120), and clinically relevant (Study 2, N = 154) populations. After priming, participants completed measures of potential confounds (e.g., neuroticism, affect). Next, we assessed ED attitudes and behavior using a portion size estimation task, and measures of body dissatisfaction and eating intention. Study 1 findings were inconsistent with the claimed role of death anxiety in ED related behavior. However, in Study 2, MS priming led to increased dissatisfaction with current thinness and smaller portion sizes for high-fat compared to low-fat food. Overall, the results suggest that death anxiety may, at least partially, drive ED symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louise Sharpe
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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12
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Moreton SG, Barr NN, Giese KJ. Investigating the relationship between changes in metaphysical beliefs and death anxiety following a significant psychedelic experience. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38753981 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2352726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Research examining the potential of the psychedelic experience to alter attitudes toward death is steadily emerging. However, the specific mechanisms leading to this change are not well understood. The present study investigated the potential relationship between changes in metaphysical beliefs and changes in death anxiety following a single significant psychedelic experience. A total of 155 participants completed a retrospective questionnaire that included questions about their acute experience and changes in death anxiety and metaphysical beliefs following a significant psychedelic experience. Although some participants reported an increase in death anxiety, there was an overall significant reduction in death anxiety from before to after the experience. Improvements in death anxiety were positively correlated with changes in belief in panpsychism, but no other measured metaphysical beliefs. The findings from this exploratory study provide direction for future research looking at the relationship between changes in metaphysical beliefs and death anxiety in the context of psychedelic experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam G Moreton
- Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Noah N Barr
- Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Kayla J Giese
- Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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13
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Sawyer JS. Grief and bereavement beliefs and their associations with death anxiety and complicated grief in a U.S. college student sample. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38713539 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2349933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
This study examined beliefs about grief and bereavement, and how the endorsement of myths is related to death anxiety and complicated grief. Results from a sample of college students in the United States (N = 391) suggested that myths about grief and bereavement are prevalent in this group. Additionally, the endorsement of certain myths significantly explained both death anxiety and complicated grief. Findings from this study provide additional support for death education in college and university settings to promote grief literacy. Implications for education, advocacy, research, and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob S Sawyer
- Department of Psychology, Alma College, Alma, Michigan, USA
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Hassan BH, Fernández-Alcántara M, García-Caro MP, Ibrahim N, Eweida RS. Cross-Cultural Comparison of Older Adults' Emotional Responses Toward Death: A Pilot Study. Res Gerontol Nurs 2024; 17:112-120. [PMID: 38598781 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20240402-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current study reports preliminary findings from a pilot sample that sought to compare the emotional responses of older adults toward death in Egyptian and Spanish cultures. METHOD A cohort of 90 eligible older adults from Egypt and Spain were recruited using a cross-sectional descriptive design. RESULTS Egyptian participants recorded a significantly higher score in approaching acceptance of death compared to their Spanish counterparts (mean = 21.57, SD = 9.4 and mean = 13.51, SD = 7.11, respectively). Post-hoc test showed there were differences in levels of valence (F[1,86] = 23.88, p < 0.001), indicating that older adults in Spain perceived such images as more unpleasant compared to Egyptian older adults. A significant difference related to death attitude profile scale was noted between Egyptian and Spanish older adults. CONCLUSION Egyptian and Spanish older adults demonstrated different attitudes toward death in addition to differences in death anxiety and depression. This preliminary study validates the importance of developing effective nursing strategies to lessen anxiety and fear about death. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(3), 112-120.].
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Fekih-Romdhane F, Malaeb D, Postigo A, Sakr F, Dabbous M, Khatib SE, Obeid S, Hallit S. The relationship between climate change anxiety and psychotic experiences is mediated by death anxiety. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2024; 70:574-581. [PMID: 38279578 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231221102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As climate change persists, accelerates, and intensifies, and since mitigating factors are absent, mental health impacts are expected to follow the same patterns. Therefore, it appears of utmost importance to deepen and broaden the knowledge and understanding of how and through which mechanisms climate change anxiety (CCA) may interplay with mental health outcomes. Based on the stress-vulnerability model of psychosis, the present study proposed to examine the relationship between CCA and psychotic experiences (PEs), and to test the theoretically-driven hypothesis that death anxiety acts as a mediator in this relationship. METHOD This study adopted a cross-sectional approach involving a sample of young adults aged 18 to 35 years (mean age = 24.56 ± 22.49 years; 63.9% females) originating from, and residing in Lebanon. RESULTS The results of the mediation analysis showed that death anxiety partially mediated the association between CCA and PEs. Higher CCA was significantly associated with higher death anxiety; higher death anxiety was significantly associated with more PEs. Finally, higher CCA was directly and significantly associated with more PEs. CONCLUSION Drawing from the present preliminary findings, the key tentative recommendation is that addressing death anxiety might alleviate the association between CCA and PEs. In addition, government decision-makers need to recognize the necessity of considering climate change implications on mental health in policy and decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane," Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunisia
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE
| | | | - Fouad Sakr
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Dabbous
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sami El Khatib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
- Center for Applied Mathematics and Bioinformatics (CAMB), Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), Hawally, Kuwait
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
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16
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Çiftci N, Yildiz M, Durmuş M, Çoban M. The relationship between fear of old age, loneliness and death anxiety in adults. Psychogeriatrics 2024; 24:627-636. [PMID: 38469620 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.13106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increase in the number of elderly people in the world, individuals' perspectives on older adults, and false beliefs and ideas about old age negatively affect adults in terms of ageing. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between fear of old age, loneliness and death anxiety in adults. METHOD This study, which was designed in a correlational cross-sectional descriptive model, was conducted with 1074 adult individuals living in one province in eastern Turkey. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, Fear of Old Age Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale and Turkish Death Anxiety Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0, AMOS 24.0, G*Power 3.1 statistical package programs. RESULTS In our study, it was determined that the model created in line with the hypotheses was compatible and the model fit indices were within the desired limits as χ2/df = 4.737, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05, comparative fit index = 0.93, goodness-of-fit index = 0.92, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.90, IFI = 0.93. There is a significant relationship between loneliness and death anxiety (P < 0.05). There is a significant relationship between loneliness and fear of old age (P < 0.05). There is a significant relationship between death anxiety and fear of old age (P < 0.05). It was determined that death anxiety has a mediating role in the effect of loneliness on fear of old age (95% confidence interval: 0.112-0.226; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION As the level of loneliness increases, the level of death anxiety and fear of old age increases. Fear of old age also increases in the mediating role of death anxiety. It is recommended to conduct intervention studies to reduce fear of old age. Longitudinal study on fear of old age is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Necmettin Çiftci
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Muş Alparslan University, Muş, Turkey
| | - Metin Yildiz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Durmuş
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Gerontology, Muş Alparslan University, Muş, Turkey
| | - Mahmut Çoban
- Health Services Vocational School, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Bingöl University, Bingöl, Turkey
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17
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Betker L, Seifart C, von Blanckenburg P. Questionnaires About the End of Life for Cancer Patients - Is the Response Burden Acceptable? J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:233-240. [PMID: 38016508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Research about the end of life with the help of patient-reported outcomes in vulnerable populations such as cancer patients is needed but is potentially burdensome and can therefore raise concerns. OBJECTIVES To assess the response burden due to questionnaires about the end of life in cancer patients and to explore associations with individual variables. METHODS In a cross-sectional design response burden was assessed using a six-item instrument after completion of a survey that concerned the end of life. Associations with age, gender, type of care (curative/palliative), years since diagnosis, distress, depression, anxiety, death anxiety, readiness for end-of-life conversations, and readiness for advance care planning were explored via correlational analyses and multiple regressions. Burden due to the topic of end-of-life and completing questionnaires in general was compared. RESULTS A total of 269 cancer patients (mean age 61.4 (SD =12.3); 59.5% male; 58.4% in palliative care) completed the survey in a German hospital. The majority did not report response burden; 29.7% reported at least some burden due to study participation. The multiple regression (F [10,26] = 9.97, p < 0.001) indicated that stable predictors of response burden were higher death anxiety (ß = 0.4), lower readiness to talk about one's end of life (ß = -0.34) and higher age (ß = 0.23). No additional subjective burden due to the topic of end-of-life was reported. CONCLUSION The reported response burden seems acceptable since it was generally low. However, a subgroup did report some burden. Minimising burden and enhancing participants' benefits without compromising the research quality should further influence study designs in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liv Betker
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (L.B., P.B.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Carola Seifart
- Department of Medicine, Research Group Medical Ethics (C.S.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Pia von Blanckenburg
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (L.B., P.B.), Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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18
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Al-Dossary SA, Sousa C, Gonçalves G. The Effect of Death Anxiety on Work Passion: Moderating Roles of Work Centrality and Work Connection. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241236227. [PMID: 38415306 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241236227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Fear of death is an emotional manifestation of the instinct for self-preservation. Any threat to our existence induces an anxiety response. Death anxiety can trigger obsessive-compulsive behaviours, such as an obsessive passion for work. Using a sample of 314 participants (68.2% female), with a mean age of 38.97 years (SD = 10.36), this study sought to observe the predictive effect of death anxiety on work passion, as well as the moderating effect of work-family centrality and connection on the relationship between anxiety and passion. The results revealed that death anxiety negatively affects harmonious passion, and positively affects obsessive passion. Work centrality did not moderate the influence of death anxiety on harmonious and obsessive passion. Nonetheless, work connection moderated the influence of death anxiety on harmonious passion. The negative influence of death anxiety on harmonious passion was greater in a group with high work connection than a group with low connection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed A Al-Dossary
- Psychology Department, College of Education, University of Ha'il, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Cátia Sousa
- School of Management, Tourism and Hospitality, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- Centre for Research in Psychology (CIP/UAL), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Gonçalves
- Centre for Research in Psychology (CIP/UAL), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
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19
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Cruz-Oliver DM, Milner GE, Mensh K, Bugayong M, Blinka MD, Durkin N, Abshire Saylor M, Budhathoki C, Oliver DP. Promising Impact of Telenovela Intervention for Caregivers of Hospice Patients: A Pilot Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024:10499091241228835. [PMID: 38321708 DOI: 10.1177/10499091241228835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospice family caregivers (HFCGs) support the needs of their loved ones but are at risk of developing distress and anxiety. NOVELA is a four-chapter telenovela-style educational video to support topics related to hospice caregiving. Telehealth visits are scheduled in 4 weekly sessions consisting of a chapter and subsequent discussion with an interventionist. This feasibility pilot study tested NOVELA's effect to change HFCGs' outcomes, session and outcome measure completion (defined a priori as >70%). METHODS This is a single-group pretest-posttest study of HFCGs of care recipients with PPS score >20% from 3 hospices in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. At baseline and at final posttest, participants completed a web-based survey assessing 3 outcomes: anxiety, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with intervention. Descriptive, t-test, and chi-square statistics were computed. RESULTS Participants in our study (N = 59) were mainly collage educated, White, female, adult children of home-bound people with a non-cancer diagnosis. Outcomes changed in the expected direction (P > .05) with higher self-efficacy (Cohen's d = -.08 [95% CI -.4 to .2) and lower anxiety (Cohen's d = .2 [95% CI -.1 to .5]) scores from final to baseline, 86% of HFCGs were satisfied or very satisfied with NOVELA, session (33/59) and outcome measure (43/59) completion averaged 68%. CONCLUSION Encouraging trends in NOVELA's estimation of effect suggests that NOVELA may buffer stressful aspects of hospice caregiving. However, further refinement of NOVELA is needed. Supporting HFCGs through supportive educational interventions may reduce distress and anxiety with broad implications for quality improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce M Cruz-Oliver
- Section of Palliative Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Kelsea Mensh
- Med-Surg Oncology 5A, Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marielle Bugayong
- Division of General Internal Medicine Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marcela D Blinka
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nowella Durkin
- Division of General Internal Medicine Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Debra Parker Oliver
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Goldfarb School of Nursing, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
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20
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Sharpe L, Richmond B, Todd J, Dudeney J, Dear BF, Szabo M, Sesel AL, Forrester M, Menzies RE. A cross-sectional study of existential concerns and fear of progression in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Psychosom Res 2023; 175:111514. [PMID: 37883892 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have higher levels of fear of disease progression (FOP) than cancer survivors. In cancer, FOP is inextricably linked with existential concerns. However, this has not been investigated in people with RA. METHODS We recruited 165 people with RA (96%F) who volunteered for a treatment trial of psychological intervention. Participants completed the Existential Concerns Questionnaire (ECQ) and questionnaires measuring constructs associated with FOP in cancer. We created groups of people with RA, with and without clinically significant levels of FOP (clinical and control groups) and compared their existential concerns. We hypothesized that existential concerns would add to the variance in FOP over and above pain, psychopathology, and disability. RESULTS Nearly two-thirds of people with RA scored in the clinical range for FOP. The clinical group had higher levels of all existential concerns than the control group. When subscales of the ECQ were entered into a multiple regression with FOP as the dependent variable, death anxiety, meaninglessness and guilt domains accounted for significant variance in FOP. Moreover, when added to a regression equation controlling all other variables, existential concerns continued to account for unique variance in FOP (t = 2.712, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION Existential concerns were strongly associated with FOP. While this cross-sectional study cannot determine whether existential concerns underlie FOP in RA, these results show robust relationships that warrant future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Sharpe
- The School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - Bethany Richmond
- The School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Jemma Todd
- The School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Joanne Dudeney
- The eCentreClinic, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Blake F Dear
- The eCentreClinic, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Marianna Szabo
- The School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Amy-Lee Sesel
- The School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Madeline Forrester
- The School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachel E Menzies
- The School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Australia
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21
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Arch JJ, Bright EE, Finkelstein LB, Fink RM, Mitchell JL, Andorsky DJ, Kutner JS. Anxiety and Depression in Metastatic Cancer: A Critical Review of Negative Impacts on Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Decision Making With Practical Recommendations. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:1097-1108. [PMID: 37831973 PMCID: PMC10732500 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Providers treating adults with advanced cancer increasingly seek to engage patients and surrogates in advance care planning (ACP) and end-of-life (EOL) decision making; however, anxiety and depression may interfere with engagement. The intersection of these two key phenomena is examined among patients with metastatic cancer and their surrogates: the need to prepare for and engage in ACP and EOL decision making and the high prevalence of anxiety and depression. METHODS Using a critical review framework, we examine the specific ways that anxiety and depression are likely to affect both ACP and EOL decision making. RESULTS The review indicates that depression is associated with reduced compliance with treatment recommendations, and high anxiety may result in avoidance of difficult discussions involved in ACP and EOL decision making. Depression and anxiety are associated with increased decisional regret in the context of cancer treatment decision making, as well as a preference for passive (not active) decision making in an intensive care unit setting. Anxiety about death in patients with advanced cancer is associated with lower rates of completion of an advance directive or discussion of EOL wishes with the oncologist. Patients with advanced cancer and elevated anxiety report higher discordance between wanted versus received life-sustaining treatments, less trust in their physicians, and less comprehension of the information communicated by their physicians. CONCLUSION Anxiety and depression are commonly elevated among adults with advanced cancer and health care surrogates, and can result in less engagement and satisfaction with ACP, cancer treatment, and EOL decisions. We offer practical strategies and sample scripts for oncology care providers to use to reduce the effects of anxiety and depression in these contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna J. Arch
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO
| | - Emma E. Bright
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
| | - Lauren B. Finkelstein
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
| | - Regina M. Fink
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
- University of Colorado College of Nursing, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | | | | | - Jean S. Kutner
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
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22
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Becker S, Lee-Grimm SI, Juckel G, Mavrogiorgou P. Death Anxiety in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231215521. [PMID: 37963233 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231215521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Death anxiety has long been attributed a role as a psychopathologically decisive factor in the development of mental illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For example, patients with washing compulsions associate their behavior with a fear of life-threatening diseases or patients with control compulsions report that the constant checking is driven by the fear of fatal or deadly consequences for the occupants.Method: The Bochum Questionnaire to Assess Death Anxiety and Attitudes Towards Death (BOFRETTA) was administered to 31 patients with OCD and 31 healthy volunteers within a semi-structured interview using broad psychometry.Results: OCD patients showed increased death anxiety and negative attitute to death in comparison to healthy volunteers. A significant correlation was found between BOFRETTA-anxiety and the currently present religious obsessive thoughts.Conclusions: Our investigation provides further findings on the role of death anxiety and the problematic attitude towards death in OCD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Becker
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL-University Hospital of Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sie-In Lee-Grimm
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL-University Hospital of Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Georg Juckel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL-University Hospital of Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Paraskevi Mavrogiorgou
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL-University Hospital of Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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23
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Andrei AM, Webb R, Enea V. Health anxiety, death anxiety and coronaphobia: Predictors of postpartum depression symptomatology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Midwifery 2023; 124:103747. [PMID: 37276749 PMCID: PMC10229209 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine levels of postpartum depression symptoms and possible relevant predictors, such as death anxiety, health anxiety, and coronavirus-related anxiety. DESIGN Cross-sectional web-based survey using quantitative methods. SETTING Exclusively online recruiting via social media and unpaid cross-posting conducted during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Romania. PARTICIPANTS Women were eligible to take part in the study if they were mothers over the age of 18 and had a baby aged between 4 weeks - 12 months of age; 1024 women were included in the final sample. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS Health anxiety, death anxiety, coronavirus-related anxiety, and postpartum depression symptoms were measured using validated instruments. Current depression symptomatology was 67.6%, 26.7% scored above the cut-off for high health anxiety, 1% for coronavirus-related anxiety, and 62.7% for death anxiety. Significant predictors for depressive symptomatology were breastfeeding, history of depression, family income, number of children, health anxiety, death anxiety, and coronavirus anxiety. Further, hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that death anxiety, health anxiety, and coronavirus anxiety predicted postpartum depression symptoms over and above socio-demographic factors. KEY CONCLUSIONS Supported by previous studies, our results suggest that postpartum depression symptomatology levels during the COVID-19 pandemic are high and that they are predicted by health and death anxiety, which are also increased during the pandemic. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE The findings provide information to identify the risk for depression symptoms in postpartum mothers during acute public health situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Andrei
- Department of Psychology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iaşi, Romania
| | | | - Violeta Enea
- Department of Psychology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iaşi, Romania.
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24
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Ibrahim M, Saeed E, Hamarsheh I, Al Zabadi H, Ahmead M. Depression and death anxiety among patients undergoing hemodialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic in Palestine: a cross sectional study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1247801. [PMID: 37720896 PMCID: PMC10501786 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1247801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hemodialysis patients are vulnerable to serious complications such as prolonged hospital stay and psychosocial issues like depression and death anxiety. Studies on psychosocial factors on end-stage renal disease patients' outcomes during COVID-19 pandemic are limited. We aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and death anxiety among Palestinian hemodialysis patients and the evaluate the relationship between their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics during COVID-19 Pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling technique. We recruited 308 hemodialysis patients from five hemodialysis units located in government hospitals in Palestine. Beck Depression Inventory and the Templers Death Anxiety Scale were used to collect data, which were then analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and means), t-test, ANOVA and multiple linear regression models were used for data analysis. Results Nearly 66.2% of the sample had depression symptoms, 61.4% met the diagnostic threshold for depression, and 69.8% had death anxiety. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis revealed that having a female identity, residing in a city or refugee camp, and patients who reported not experiencing depression had a significant relationship with death anxiety, while having a higher educational level than 12 years, having one or more chronic co-morbidities, and patients who reported experiencing death anxiety had a significant correlation with depression. Conclusion Patients receiving hemodialysis frequently experience depression and death anxiety. These patients should receive a psychiatric evaluation in the early stages of their illness so that timely and appropriate psychological interventions can be given in hemodialysis facilities in Palestine during and after future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elias Saeed
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Islam Hamarsheh
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Hamzeh Al Zabadi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Muna Ahmead
- Faculty of Public Health, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
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25
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Shah A. Palliating in Avoidable Death: Reconciling Psychiatrists' Roles as Treaters on Death Row With Participation in a System of Overt Harm. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:555-558. [PMID: 37505894 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Although nations across the globe have eliminated capital punishment, the United States remains one of the few countries in the Americas and Europe that still uses execution. There has been little discussion around the implications of psychiatry's involvement in providing care to incarcerated individuals awaiting death. The following perspective examines the United States as an example of a democratic and highly developed country where the death penalty remains an undeniable reality; the piece provides a brief discussion on psychiatry's relationship with end-of-life care to provide context for subsequent discussion on the role of the psychiatrist on death row in the United States. Medicolegal and ethical considerations are further outlined to identify specific concessions that might be made by the US criminal justice system to truly allow death row psychiatrists to practice to the highest standard of compassionate care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arya Shah
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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26
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Letzner RD. Death anxiety in connection to anxiety and depressive disorders: A meta-analysis on emotional distress in clinical and community samples. DEATH STUDIES 2023; 48:393-406. [PMID: 37416947 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2230556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Awareness of one's mortality bears noteworthy implications on psychological functioning, proposing death anxiety as a transdiagnostic construct, with connections to psychopathology. The present meta-analysis investigates the relationship between death anxiety, depression, and anxiety disorders, as well as in symptomatology labeled as emotional distress. A random-effects model was used for extracting the effect size from 105 selected studies, comprising both clinical and community samples (N = 11,803). Results revealed a large overall effect size, g = 1.47 (95% CI [1.27; 1.67]), and a higher effect size favoring anxiety disorders. The instruments evaluating death anxiety and the presence of chronic conditions moderated the relationship. A higher effect size was observed for instruments other than Templer's Death Anxiety Scale, and for participants with chronic/terminal illness compared to healthy samples. Overall, the results highlight the need for a transdiagnostic perspective on death anxiety, as well as for reaching a consensus regarding its conceptualization and measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona D Letzner
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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27
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Gross S, Amacher SA, Rochowski A, Reiser S, Becker C, Beck K, Blatter R, Emsden C, Nkoulou C, Sutter R, Tisljar K, Pargger H, Marsch S, Hunziker S. “Do-not-resuscitate” preferences of the general Swiss population: Results from a national survey. Resusc Plus 2023; 14:100383. [PMID: 37056958 PMCID: PMC10085778 DOI: 10.1016/j.resplu.2023.100383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To assess the do-not-resuscitate preferences of the general Swiss population and to identify predictors influencing decision-making. Methods A nationwide web-based survey was conducted in Switzerland on a representative sample of the adult population. The primary endpoint was the preference for a "Do Not Resuscitate" order (DNR Code Status) vs. cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR Code Status) in a clinical case vignette of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Secondary endpoint were participants' own personal preferences for DNR. Results 1138 subjects participated in the web-based survey, 1044 were included in the final analysis. Preference for DNR code status was found in 40.5% (n = 423) in the case vignette and in 20.3% (n = 209) when making a personal decision for themselves. Independent predictors for DNR Code Status for the case vignette were: Personal preferences for their own DNR Code Status (adjusted OR 2.44, 95%CI 1.67 to 3.55; p < 0.001), intubation following respiratory failure (adjusted OR 1.95, 95%CI 1.20 to 3.18; p = 0.007), time-period after which resuscitation should not be attempted (adjusted OR 0.91, 95%CI 0.89 to 0.93); p < 0.001), and estimated chance of survival in case of a cardiac arrest (adjusted OR per decile 0.91, 95%CI 0.84 to 0.99, p = 0.02; which was overestimated by all participants. Conclusions Main predictors for a DNR Code Status were personal preferences and the overestimation of good neurological outcome after cardiac arrest. Overestimation of positive outcomes after cardiac arrest seems to influence patient opinion and should thus be addressed during code status discussions.
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28
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Lok N, Aydın Z, Uzun G, Kayaaslan B, Selçuk Tosun A. Relationship of Depression, Hopelessness and Life Satisfaction With Death Anxiety in Individuals Who Have Had COVID-19. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231174602. [PMID: 37161306 PMCID: PMC10183336 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231174602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between depression, hopelessness and life satisfaction with death anxiety and the determinants of death anxiety in individuals who have had COVID-19. This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 402 adult individuals. Personal Information Form, Thorson-Powell Death Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale and Satisfaction with Life Scale were used to collect the data. In the study, a positive relationship was found between death anxiety and depression and hopelessness, and a negative relationship was found between death anxiety and life satisfaction (p < .001). As a result, being female, having undergraduate or graduate education, having high levels of depression and hopelessness and low life satisfaction were found to be determinants of death anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neslihan Lok
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Selcuk University Faculty of
Nursing, Konya, Turkey
| | - Zekiye Aydın
- Department of Nursing, Selcuk University Health Sciences
Institute, Konya, Turkey
| | - Gülten Uzun
- Department of Nursing, Selcuk University Health Sciences
Institute, Konya, Turkey
| | - Büşra Kayaaslan
- Department of Nursing, Selcuk University Health Sciences
Institute, Konya, Turkey
| | - Alime Selçuk Tosun
- Department of Public Health
Nursing, Selcuk University Faculty of
Nursing, Konya, Turkey
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29
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Gulbahar Eren M, Üçgül K, Sert H. Effectiveness of Interventions on Death Anxiety and Fear in Adults with Chronic Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231167725. [PMID: 36990654 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231167725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the outcomes of various interventions to alleviate death anxiety and fear. Studies published between January 2010 and June 2022 were searched in the ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CHINAL databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement guidelines were used in this meta-analysis. The results were examined using 95% confidence intervals, p-values, and fixed- or random-effects models based on the heterogeneity test. Sixteen studies involving 1262 participants were included in this systematic review. Interventions in seven studies using the Templer Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS) significantly decreased death anxiety levels in the intervention groups compared to the control groups (z = -4.47; p < 0.001; 95% CI: -3.36 to -1.31). This meta-analysis provides insights into implementing logotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, spirituality-based care, and educational interventions for death anxiety and the fear experienced by patients with chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Gulbahar Eren
- Deparment of Internal Medicine Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Kübra Üçgül
- Vocational School of Health Services, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Havva Sert
- Deparment of Internal Medicine Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
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30
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Jalili M, Rezapour-Mirsaleh Y, Mirhosseini SJ. Investigating Surgeons' Reactions to Patients' Death: A Phenomenological Study. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231162731. [PMID: 36872588 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231162731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to scrutinize the reaction of surgeons towards patients' death. This study enjoyed a qualitative approach using a phenomenological lived experience. 12 surgeons who had witnessed patients' death were selected through purposive sampling until data saturation was achieved. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews and were analyzed through the Colaizzi's method. The main concepts extracted from the analysis of the participants' experience comprised three main themes, six sub-categories and 19 initial sub-categories. The main themes were (a) emotional-mental reactions including the sub-themes of emotional distress, mood disorder and mental distress, (b) death encounter including the sub-themes of rational encounter and pre-emptive measure and (c) post-traumatic growth covering the concepts of optimism and performance improvement. The obtained findings imply that the patients' death can sometimes make surgeons aware of the post-incident growth although such deaths affect their personal, family, social and professional lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Jalili
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran
| | - Yasser Rezapour-Mirsaleh
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran
| | - Seyed Jalil Mirhosseini
- Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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31
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Menzies RE, Menzies RG. Death anxiety and mental health: Requiem for a dreamer. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 78:101807. [PMID: 36435549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recently, there has been an increased interest in the role of death anxiety in a broad range of mental health disorders. It has been argued that the fear of death may be a transdiagnostic variable contributing to the development and maintenance of many chronic mental health problems. Further, it has been suggested that death anxiety may be responsible for relapse and the emergence of new disorders in patients that have received successful treatment for earlier conditions in their lives. Given this, the purpose of the present selective review is to: (1) explore contemporary theoretical accounts of the role of death anxiety in a broad range of human behaviours; (2) examine evidence for death anxiety as a key variable in mental health disorders; (3) examine evidence on the treatment of death anxiety in both non-clinical and clinical populations; (4) describe the limitations of the current literature, and; (5) provide a detailed description of the critical future directions for this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ross G Menzies
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
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32
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Menzies RE, Sharpe L, Richmond B, Cunningham ML. "Life's too short to be small": An experimental exploration of the relationship between death anxiety and muscle dysmorphia symptoms. Body Image 2023; 44:43-52. [PMID: 36459928 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Growing research demonstrates that death anxiety is strongly associated with numerous mental health conditions. It is possible that death anxiety may similarly contribute to behaviours associated with muscle dysmorphia (MD). The current pre-registered study examined this possibility in 322 young men with an interest in health and fitness. The mortality salience paradigm was used to experimentally examine whether reminders of death increased behaviours relevant to MD. Measures of MD symptoms and death anxiety were also completed by participants. Contrary to expectations, reminders of death did not significantly increase willingness to trial workout supplements, or dissatisfaction with current muscularity. Participants reminded of death reported lower intention to exercise in the near future, compared to the control condition. Moreover, death reminders did not lead to significantly larger portion sizes being chosen. However, in post-hoc analyses, men with high, but not low, MD symptoms did choose larger portions after being primed with death. Lastly, positive correlations were found between self-report measures of MD symptoms and two measures of death anxiety. Cumulatively, these results suggest that while fears of death may be associated with self-reported MD symptoms, they may not drive excessive exercise, nor body dissatisfaction in men.
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33
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Sims MA, Menzies RE, Menzies RG. A systematic review of the relationship between death anxiety, capability for suicide, and suicidality. DEATH STUDIES 2023; 48:16-26. [PMID: 36802373 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2179686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to examine the relationship between death anxiety and suicidality in adults, and the impact of death anxiety interventions on the capability for suicide and suicidality. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science were extensively searched using purpose-related keywords from the earliest to July 29th, 2022. A total of 376 participants were included across four studies which met inclusion. Death anxiety was found to relate significantly and positively with rescue potential, and although weak, negatively with suicide intent, circumstances of attempt, and a wish to die. There was no relationship between death anxiety and lethality or risk of lethality. Further, no studies examined the effects of death anxiety interventions on the capability for suicide and suicidality. It is imperative that future research implements a more rigorous methodology to establish the relationship between death anxiety and suicidality and establish the impacts of death anxiety interventions on the capability for suicide and suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Sims
- Graduate School of Health, The University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachel E Menzies
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ross G Menzies
- Graduate School of Health, The University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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34
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Moreton SG, Arena AFA, Foy Y, Menzies RE. Reduced death anxiety as a mediator of the relationship between acute subjective effects of psychedelics and improved subjective well-being. DEATH STUDIES 2023:1-12. [PMID: 36729996 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2169848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Research over the past several decades suggests that meaningful psychedelic experiences can engender long-term effects on subjective wellbeing. However, less research has investigated the psychological mechanisms through which these effects may emerge. In the present study, participants (N = 201) completed an online survey that retrospectively measured the acute effects of a meaningful psychedelic experience, as well as changes in subjective well-being and death anxiety. Reductions in death anxiety significantly mediated the effects of mystical experience on satisfaction with life, positive affect, and negative affect. Reductions in death anxiety did not mediate any of the effects of psychological insight. Although correlational, the findings are consistent with the hypothesis that some of the benefits of psychedelic-induced mystical experiences on subjective well-being may emerge due to reductions in death anxiety. Nevertheless, further research is needed to establish a causal effect of reduced death anxiety on well-being in the context of psychedelic experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam G Moreton
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Andrew F A Arena
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yolanda Foy
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Rachel E Menzies
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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35
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Vail KE, Galgali M, Reed DE, Helm PJ, Edwards ME, Jimenez T, Arndt J, Lehinger E, Sedivy L, McGeary DD, Nabity P, Cobos B. COVID-19-related threat, existential isolation, and well-being. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/13284207.2022.2155510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth E. Vail
- Department of Psychology, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Madhwa Galgali
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - David E. Reed
- Center for Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter J. Helm
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Megan E. Edwards
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Tyler Jimenez
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jamie Arndt
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Elizabeth Lehinger
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lauren Sedivy
- Department of Psychology, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Donald D. McGeary
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas Health Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Paul Nabity
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas Health Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Briana Cobos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas Health Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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36
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Hang Y, Speyer LG, Haring L, Murray AL, Mõttus R. Investigating general and specific psychopathology factors with nuance-level personality traits. Personal Ment Health 2023; 17:67-76. [PMID: 35959741 DOI: 10.1002/pmh.1561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Mental health disorders share substantial variance, prompting researchers to develop structural models that can capture both generalised psychopathology risk and disorder/symptom-specific variation. This study investigated the associations of the general and specific psychopathology factors with multiple personality trait hierarchy levels: broad domains, their facets and nuances (N = 1839 Estonian adults). A bi-factor model with a general 'p' factor and specific factors for internalising problems, thought disorders and substance use best represented psychopathology structure. Although traits' predictive accuracy varied across psychopathology factors, nuances (the lowest level personality units) provided higher predictive accuracy and higher discriminant validity than domains. For example, traits related to high vulnerability, depression and immoderation and low friendliness and achievement striving were most strongly associated with the p factor. Nuances may prove useful for predicting and understanding general and specific psychopathology forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhan Hang
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lydia Gabriela Speyer
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Liina Haring
- Psychiatry Clinic of Tartu University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - René Mõttus
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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37
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Menzies RE, Sharpe L, Dar-Nimrod I. The development and validation of the Death Anxiety Beliefs and Behaviours Scale. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 61:1169-1187. [PMID: 35938594 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Research spanning the fields of clinical, social and health psychology suggests that death anxiety is an important construct. However, no comprehensive, psychometrically adequate measure of the construct exists. The current studies outline the development of a new measure of death anxiety, the Death Anxiety Beliefs and Behaviours Scale (DABBS), which is the first measure to specifically assess unhelpful beliefs and behaviours that may underlie fears of death. METHODS In Study 1, items were piloted in a large community sample (N = 505). In Studies 2A and 2B, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed using a treatment-seeking (N = 200) and non-treatment-seeking sample (N = 200). These analyses resulted in the final 18-item scale. RESULTS The DABBS demonstrated good construct validity, criterion validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability. In Study 3, the DABBS effectively distinguished participants with clinically significant death anxiety and distress from those without, demonstrating excellent discriminant validity. CONCLUSIONS The present data indicate that the DABBS is a valid and reliable measure of affect, beliefs and behaviours relating to death anxiety, in a community sample of adults and among those seeking mental health treatment. Given the increasing recognition of the importance of death anxiety, the DABBS offers a useful research and clinical tool.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louise Sharpe
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ilan Dar-Nimrod
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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38
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Chung MC, Freh FM. The Impact of Death Anxiety, Meaning and Coping on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Psychiatric Co-Morbidity Among Iraqi Civilians Exposed to a Car Bomb Attack A Latent Class Analysis. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP20972-NP20993. [PMID: 34854340 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211055152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Much has been documented that the experience of a bombing is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder and psychiatric co-morbidity. Whether the co-existing relationship between death anxiety, meaning in life and coping styles would influence the aforementioned association is unknown. The present study aimed to identify latent classes of victims with different levels of death anxiety, meaning in life and coping styles, and to examine whether the severity of PTSD and co-morbid psychiatric symptoms differed between classes. One hundred and eighty-five victims who had experienced the first car bombing completed a demographic page, the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnosis Scale, General Health Questionnaire-28, Multidimensional Fear of Death Scale, Meaning in Life Questionnaire and Coping Responses Inventory. The results showed that 82% and 18% of the victims met the criteria for PTSD and no-PTSD, respectively. Four classes of victims were identified: Class 1 victims were approach copers with low levels of death anxiety and meaning. Class 2 victims were minimal copers with high levels of death anxiety and meaning. Class 3 victims were approach copers with a high level of death anxiety and meaning. Class 4 victims were avoidance copers with high levels of death anxiety. Individuals in Class 1 reported significantly lower levels of PTSD and psychiatric co-morbidity than the other three classes. Class 3 victims also reported significantly lower levels of psychiatric co-morbidity than Class 2 victims. To conclude, victims exposed to a car bombing were likely to exhibit posttraumatic stress symptoms in addition to other psychological symptoms. The severity of these symptoms tended to be lower among those who had little fear of death, did not search for meaning in life and approached their distress proactively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Cheung Chung
- Department of Psychology, 54483Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Cybulska AM, Żołnowska MA, Schneider-Matyka D, Nowak M, Starczewska M, Grochans S, Cymbaluk-Płoska A. Analysis of Nurses' Attitudes toward Patient Death. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13119. [PMID: 36293697 PMCID: PMC9602489 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
(1) The aim of the study was to analyze nurses' attitudes toward a patient's death, taking into account the emotions they experience and the general perception of death. (2) The study involved 516 nurses from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. The research was carried out using the diagnostic survey method using The Death Attitudes Profile Revisited (DAP-R-PL), the Scale of Fear and Fascination with Death, and a demographic questionnaire. (3) Research has shown that nurses accept the phenomenon of death as a natural process of human life; however, they adopt the attitude of fear of death. Most of the respondents experienced: sadness (73.4%), helplessness (58.5%), and regret (43.6%) due to the patient's death. (4) Both age, sex, marital status, and place of residence significantly influenced the attitudes of nurses toward the patient's death. Therefore, it is important to provide psychological support or special education in the case of dealing with the fear of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Cybulska
- Department of Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Monika Anna Żołnowska
- Department of Cardiology and Invasive Cardiology, Independent Provincial Public Integrated Hospital, Arkońska 4, 71-455 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Daria Schneider-Matyka
- Department of Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marta Nowak
- Department of Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Starczewska
- Department of Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Szymon Grochans
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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40
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Wong LP, Alias H, Tan SL, Sia TE, Saw A. An Exploration of Death Anxiety of Family Members of Silent Mentor Body Donation Program. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221132902. [PMID: 36217612 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221132902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: This study assesses the level of death anxiety among the family members of the Silent Mentor Programme (SMP) and determines whether their participation in various ceremonies during the training session impacted their death anxiety. Methods: The revised Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale (CL-FODS) was administered to the study participants before the opening ceremony and after the sending-off ceremony of the programme. Results: All the four subscales that measure fear of one's own death, fear of the process of one's own dying, fear of the death of others and fear of the process of others dying in the CL-FODS showed significant reduction after the sending-off ceremony compared with before the opening ceremony. Younger family members reported significantly higher mean total death anxiety scores compared to the older members. Conclusion: The SMP not only nurtures doctors with humanity but also helps the family members to cope with grief and loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ping Wong
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Unit of Silent Mentor Program, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Haridah Alias
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Unit of Silent Mentor Program, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sik-Loo Tan
- Unit of Silent Mentor Program, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence for Research and Learning, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Thiam Eng Sia
- Unit of Silent Mentor Program, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Aik Saw
- Unit of Silent Mentor Program, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence for Research and Learning, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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41
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Pashak TJ, Nelson OM, Tunstull MD, Vanderstelt BH, Nichols DP, Hitt JM. Embrace subjectivity: existentially-informed clinical psychological science, practice, and teaching. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/13284207.2022.2108695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Travis J. Pashak
- Department of Psychology, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
| | - Olivia M. Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
| | - Makiya D. Tunstull
- Department of Psychology, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
| | | | - David P. Nichols
- Department of Philosophy, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
| | - James M. Hitt
- Department of Philosophy, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI, USA
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42
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Woo JH, Bae SM. The Association Between Depression and Death Anxiety Among Older Adults: Moderating Effect of Ego-Integrity. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221115586. [PMID: 35861200 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221115586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study verifies the relationship between depression and death anxiety in older adults and the moderating effect of ego-integrity on this relationship. The survey was conducted with 236 participants aged 65 years and older through a combination of online and offline surveys. The final data were analyzed using the PROCESS macro for SPSS 2.16. The main findings of this study are as follows: First, depression in old age was positively related to anxiety about death. Second, the moderating effect of ego-integrity was observed on the relationship between depression and death anxiety. Third, on examining the moderating effect of each sub-variable of ego-integrity, the moderating effect of satisfaction with one's life was observed to be significant. Conversely, the moderating effect of attitude toward life and acceptance of old age was not significant. The results of this study are meaningful in examining the moderating effect of ego-integrity on the relationship between depression and death anxiety. Furthermore, the results of this study can provide basic data for the development and application of psychological intervention programs for older adults experiencing psychological problems due to depression and death anxiety in old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hee Woo
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School, Dankook University, Cheonan-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Man Bae
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School, Dankook University, Cheonan-si, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, College of Health Science, Dankook University, Cheonan-si, Republic of Korea
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43
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Çekiç Y, Yazgan EÖ, Duyan V. Nurses' Experiences, Fear of COVID-19, and Death Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study From Turkey. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2022; 60:39-48. [DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20220621-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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44
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Liu T, Cheng H, Tian L, Zhang Y, Wang S, Lin L. Aromatherapy with inhalation can effectively improve the anxiety and depression of cancer patients: A meta-analysis. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2022; 77:118-127. [PMID: 35617792 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This meta-analysis was to critically evaluate the effects of aromatherapy on the symptoms of anxiety and depression in cancer patients. METHODS Eight Chinese and English databases (CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO) were systematically searched from the inception of databases to October 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). According to Cochrane Collaboration criteria, two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias and extract data from included studies. All analyses were performed with Review Manager 5.4. RESULTS Eleven qualified studies were included in the meta-analysis, ten of which reported the effect of aromatherapy on anxiety in cancer patients, including 1724 patients; five of the studies reported the effect on depression, including 1039 patients. The quality of the included studies was low, and most studies compared aromatherapy to usual care. This meta-analysis indicated that aromatherapy appeared to be effective for anxiety [SMD = -0.51, 95%CI (-0.83, -0.19), P = 0.002] and depression [SMD = -0.44, 95%CI (-0.76, -0.12), P = 0.008] symptoms in cancer patients. Inhalation aromatherapy may be more effective than massage. Aromatherapy seemed to improve the anxiety symptoms in cancer patients in a short time, especially in perioperative patients, but had no effect for patients treated with radiation, chemotherapy or palliative therapy. Placebo also appeared to be effective in some studies. CONCLUSIONS Aromatherapy, especially inhalation aromatherapy, may help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression in cancer patients, but more and higher-quality studies are needed. The literature does not yet support clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, PR China
| | - Hui Cheng
- School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, PR China
| | - Li Tian
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, PR China; School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, PR China.
| | - Yueyue Zhang
- School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, PR China
| | - Shaotong Wang
- School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, PR China
| | - Lu Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, PR China; School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, PR China
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Mani A, Fereidooni R, Salehi‐Marzijarani M, Ardekani A, Sasannia S, Habibi P, Zarei L, Heydari ST, Lankarani KB. The prevalence and risk factors of death anxiety and fear of COVID-19 in an Iranian community: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e706. [PMID: 35765604 PMCID: PMC9207499 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims COVID-19 has adversely impacted the public's mental health. One of the causes of psychopathology during the present pandemic is death anxiety and fear of COVID-19. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of death anxiety and fear of COVID-19 in Shiraz city, south of Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 982 participants in Shiraz from October to November 2021. Data were collected using Templer's Death Anxiety Scale and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Trained interviewers collected data throughout different city districts. A data-driven approach (latent class analysis) was applied to categorize the participants and determine the risk factors. Results Among the participants, 507 (51.6%) were female, and 475 (48.4%) were male. The participants' mean age was 38.26 ± 15.16 years. Based on the analysis, 259 (26.4%), 512 (52.1%), and 211 (21.5%) participants had low, moderate, and severe levels of death anxiety. Also, 393 (40.06%) and 588 (59.94%) of the participants had low and high levels of fear, respectively. Higher death anxiety was significantly associated with being female, having an associate degree, being retired, share of medical expenditure from total expenditure of more than 10%, having a history of hospital admission due to COVID-19, history of COVID-19 in relatives, and having fear of COVID-19. Also, being female, expenses equal to income, history of hospital admission due to COVID-19, death in relatives, and higher death anxiety were linked to higher levels of fear of COVID-19. Conclusions Death anxiety and fear of COVID-19 are closely associated with each other and affected by various sociodemographic and economic factors. Given this pandemic's unpredictable nature and chronicity, interventions at the community level to support high-risk groups are crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Mani
- Research Center for Psychiatry and Behavior Science, Hafez HospitalShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Reza Fereidooni
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of HealthShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | | | - Ali Ardekani
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of HealthShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Sarvin Sasannia
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of HealthShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Pardis Habibi
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of HealthShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Leila Zarei
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of HealthShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Seyed Taghi Heydari
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of HealthShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Kamran B. Lankarani
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of HealthShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
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Su Z, Zhou Y, Han X, Pang Y, He S, Tang L. Symptom burden in advanced breast cancer patients and its association between death anxiety and psychological distress. Chin J Cancer Res 2022; 34:298-308. [PMID: 35873892 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2022.03.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Recent research has documented psychological distress in advanced breast cancer (ABC) patients, but few studies have examined how death anxiety is affected by the symptom burden. Therefore, this study aims to explore the association among symptom burden, death anxiety and psychological distress (depression and anxiety) in ABC patients. Methods This cross-sectional study used the Death and Dying Anxiety Scale (DADDS), 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) to assess death anxiety, depression, anxiety, and symptom burden, respectively. Bias-corrected bootstrapping methods were used to estimate indirect effects and 95% confidence intervals. Results Two hundred ABC patients completed the questionnaires. All of the respondents were females, with a mean age of 50±10 years. Initial correlation analyses revealed significant associations of death anxiety with depression (r=0.57, P<0.001), anxiety (r=0.60, P<0.001) and symptom burden (r=0.43, P<0.001). Moreover, depression (r=0.53, P<0.001) and anxiety (r=0.45, P<0.001) were significantly correlated with symptom burden. An analysis using Hayes' PROCESS macro revealed the partial effecting role of death anxiety in the relationship between depression and symptom burden, and between anxiety and symptom burden (contributions to the total effect of 0.247 and 0.469, respectively). Conclusions This study provides insight into the relationship between death anxiety and symptom burden. The results suggest that interventions addressing death anxiety may be more effective for alleviating the depression and anxiety experienced by ABC patients with a symptom burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongge Su
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Psycho-Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yuhe Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Psycho-Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Xinkun Han
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Psycho-Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Ying Pang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Psycho-Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Shuangzhi He
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Psycho-Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Lili Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Psycho-Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
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Influencing factors of attitudes towards death and demands for death education among community-dwelling Chinese older adults: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1242. [PMID: 35733112 PMCID: PMC9219144 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13655-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Considering older adults are getting closer to the end-of-life and face death more directly. Attitudes to death not only affect the physical and mental health of older adults, but also affect their acceptance of hospice care, even the quality of death. This study aims to explore the status, influencing factors of attitudes toward death and demands of death education among the community-dwelling older adults in southwestern China. Methods A cross-sectional survey was adopted to investigate 683 community-dwelling older adults in Chongqing, China. Non-parametric test and multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of different attitudes toward death of older adults in community. Results The multiple linear regression models showed that different dimensions of death attitudes were affected by one or more factors including number of diseases, discussion about life and death, marital status, and average income per month. And community-dwelling older adults have high level demand for death education. Conclusions Under the taboo culture of death in China, this study is one of the few studies on the attitudes toward death and the demands for death education of the community-dwelling older adults. This study contributes to enrich the global death studies and provide reference for the death education for older adults. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13655-2.
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Hughes B, Jones K. Young People's Experiences of Death Anxiety and Responses to the Covid-19 Pandemic. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221109052. [PMID: 35715963 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221109052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Capacity for death awareness and death anxiety in young people has been previously documented but the impact of Covid-19 is not currently known. Therefore, the aim of this study of this study was to explore young people's experiences and responses to the Covid-19 pandemic. Qualitative data was collected from young people via a two-stage process across the United Kingdom: Stage One consisted of an online questionnaire; Stage Two comprised online semi-structured interviews. Responses for Stage One of the study totalled 120 young people; 9 of these were interviewed for Stage Two of the study. Thematic analysis of data identified four themes relating to young people's experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic: death anxiety; mental health; normalising death; and identified support needs. Young people experienced heightened death anxiety due to the pandemic but death also became normalized for them and their mental health was negatively affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Hughes
- Faculty of Wellbeing, Education, and Language Studies, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Kerry Jones
- Faculty of Wellbeing, Education, and Language Studies, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
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49
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Kuo YF, Chang YM, Lin MF, Wu ML, Shiah YJ. Death anxiety as mediator of relationship between renunciation of desire and mental health as predicted by Nonself Theory. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10209. [PMID: 35715696 PMCID: PMC9206001 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14527-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present paper, we report two studies examining the relationships among renunciation of desires, death anxiety, and mental health. In the first study, we constructed the Desire Questionnaire (DQ), which measures success in renouncing certain desire. The DQ has satisfactory psychometric properties. In the second study, 501 adults from a Chinese society ranging in age from 17 to 84 years (M = 35.58, SD = 14.76) completed the DQ, the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), and the Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ), which measures mental health and the presence of psychiatric symptoms. As predicted, DQ had significant negative correlations with both DAS (p < 0.05) and CHQ (p < 0.01). DAS had a significant positive correlation with CHQ (p < 0.01). In the linear mediation model, DAS was found to partially mediate the relationship between DQ and CHQ (β = - 0.18, p < 0.001). These results suggest that the negative effect of poor control of desires on mental health can be partially accounted for by death anxiety. These findings imply that training in eliminating desires can be a successful strategy to improve mental health. These results also support the Nonself Theory as a theory of death anxiety and show its relevance to the relationship between nonself and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fen Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Counseling Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling, National Kaohsiung Normal University, No. 116, Heping 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 802, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ming Chang
- Department of Psychology, School of Educational Science, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Mei-Fang Lin
- Department of Psychology, School of Educational Science, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Applied Cognition and Personality, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Ming-Lung Wu
- Teacher Education and Careers Service, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Jong Shiah
- Graduate Institute of Counseling Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling, National Kaohsiung Normal University, No. 116, Heping 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 802, Taiwan.
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Easden D, Gurvich C, Kaplan RA, Rossell SL. Exploring fear of death and psychosis proneness: positive schizotypy as a function of death anxiety and maladaptive coping. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/13284207.2022.2070426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dane Easden
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra. Australia
| | - Caroline Gurvich
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Central Clinical School, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ryan A. Kaplan
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susan L. Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
- Mental Health, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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