Positive Affect Predicted Death Anxiety in Health Workers during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

During Covid-19 pandemic, the research on health workers’ mental health grew significantly and it documented the coexistence of well-being, and trauma/negative affect, with a specific emphasis on death anxiety (DA). However, no studies focused on understanding the factors associated with death anxiety, and the protective role of well-being. The aim of this study is to examine the predictors of DA in a sample of 173 Italian health workers, assessed with indicators of psychological distress (anxiety, depression stress) and well-being (positive affect, positive mental health and post-traumatic growth). The regression model revealed that DA was predicted only by positive affect and gender. Female workers and those with lower levels of positive affect were the most vulnerable. This investigation provides new understanding on the features of DA in health workers, and it confirms the importance of maintaining and/or promoting the well-being of this population, particularly under stressful working conditions.