BETWEEN FEAR AND FAITH: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY OF DEATH ANXIETY, RELIGIOSITY, AND SLEEP DISTURBANCES IN CLINICAL POPULATION

Abstract

Background: Death anxiety, religiosity and sleep quality are empirical psychological constructs that play significant roles in patients' mental and physical health when they are confronted with a serious illness. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between death anxiety, religiosity and sleep quality in a clinical sample. Design method: A cross-sectional survey design with purposive sampling was used and the respondents were 650 patients. Instruments used were the Death Anxiety Beliefs and Behaviors Scale (DABBS), the Religious Orientation Scale (IRO/ERO), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The Pearson correlation was carried out. Results: Death anxiety was negatively and significantly related to religiosity (r = -.503, p < .001) and was positively and significantly related to sleep quality disturbance (r = .132, p < .001). Subscale analyses showed high internal consistency of the dimensions of death anxiety in regard to beliefs, behaviors and affect responses, and interesting differences among the religious orientations regarding these death anxiety dimensions in relation to sleep parameters. Discussion: Religiosity is a discernible protective factor in patients and higher death anxiety is a subtle sleep quality impairment. Spiritual assessment and Focused Sleep Intervention should be incorporated in the care of patients.

Keywords: Death Anxiety, Religiosity, Sleep Quality, Patients, Intrinsic Religiosity, Extrinsic Religiosity