Templer's Death Anxiety Research Articles

Yaşlı Bireylerde Benlik Saygısı, Ölüm Kaygısı ve Depresyon Arasındaki İlişkinin Bazı Değişkenlere Göre İncelenmesi: Tanımlayıcı Araştırma

Objective: This study aims to identify the relationships among self-esteem, death anxiety and depression in older individuals according to certain variables. Material and Methods: This descriptive and relational screening study was conducted with 330 older individuals who lived in a city center and volunteered to participate in the study. Data were collected using a socio-demographic form, Rosenberg's Self- Esteem Scale, Templer's Death Anxiety Scale, and the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 22 statistical package program, and p<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: An analysis of older individuals' mean scores for self-esteem, death anxiety, and risk of depression in relation to their demographic characteristics indicated statistically significant differences (p<0.05). It was found that generally, these older individuals had a low depression risk (6.26±3.811), they had high self-esteem (1.03±0.426), and they experienced a medium level of death anxiety (7.89±2.857). A positive, medium-level relationship was found between self-esteem and depression, and a positive, low-level, but significant relationship was found between self-esteem and death anxiety (p<0.05). Conclusion: Income level and educational level are important factors influencing self-esteem, death anxiety, and depression risk. It was found that depression risk and death anxiety increased where there was a decrease in self-esteem in older individuals.

Effect of Spiritual Care on Death Anxiety and Self-esteem in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: Death anxiety and low self-esteem are major problems in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Spiritual interventions, along with other nursing interventions, can restore the balance between body and soul. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of the spiritual care program on death anxiety and self-esteem in MS patients. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 60 patients with MS were randomly assigned into the intervention (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. The intervention group received spiritual care program in four sessions. Templer death anxiety and Rosenberg self-esteem scale were completed by samples before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using the independent t test, Chi-square, and Fisher exact tests. The significance level is considered less than 0.05. Results: The Mean±SD ages of the intervention and control group samples were 32.8±6.39 and 35.1±8.35 years, respectively. The Mean±SD scores of death anxiety in the control group 12.27±0.85 and the intervention group 11.8±0.88 before the intervention were not significantly different. After the intervention, the difference between the Mean±SD scores of the control group 12.10±0.61 and the interventional group 8.13±0.71 was statistically significant (P=0.001). The Mean±SD scores of self-esteem in the control group 14.63±1.51 and the interventional group 15.5±1.5 before the intervention were not significantly different. The difference between the Mean±SD scores of self-esteem in the control group 14.67±1.9 and the interventional group 18.03±1.85 was significant after the intervention (P=0.001). The results of ANCOVA demonstrated a significant difference between the control and intervention groups in terms of death anxiety (F=6.41, P=0.014, partial Eta2=0.101) and self-esteem (F=13.079, P=0.001, partial Eta2=0.187) of MS patients. Conclusion: Since spiritual care intervention in patients with MS reduced their death anxiety and increased their self-esteem, this simple and low-cost care program can be recommended for those suffering from this disease.

Death anxiety and its predictors among the companions of hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019

Background and aims: Death anxiety (DA) is associated with stress and impaired immunity and thereby, puts individuals at risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to assess DA and its predictors among the companions of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2020 on 200 companions of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Imam Khomeini, BouAli, and Razi hospitals in Sari and Qaemshahr, Iran. Sampling was performed conveniently. Data were collected using a demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire for patients, a demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire for companions, and Templer DA Scale. The SPSS software (v. 21.0) was used for data analysis via the independent sample t test, chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The mean score of DA was 47.21±10.62 (in the possible range of 15–75). Participants’ DA had significant relationship with their gender, their patients’ anorexia and arterial oxygen saturation, and COVID-19 among other family members (P&lt;0.05). Participants’ gender, patients’ anorexia and arterial oxygen saturation, and COVID-19 among other family members significantly explained 0.066% of the total variance of DA (P=0.002). The strongest predictors of DA were arterial oxygen saturation (β=0.17; P=0.01) and gender (β=0.15; P=0.0). Conclusion: The companions of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 experience high levels of DA and hence, interventions are needed to reduce their DA.

Exploring the relationship between spiritual well-being and death anxiety in patients with gynecological cancer: a cross-section study

BackgroundIn recent years, spiritual well-being has gradually gained the attention of health care providers in China, especially those in oncology departments, who have recognized the importance of improving spiritual well-being in cancer patients. Since most of the current research on spiritual well-being has been carried out in areas with religious beliefs, this study was conducted in the context of no development of formal religion. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between death anxiety and spiritual well-being and the related factors of spiritual well-being among gynecological cancer patients.MethodsThis cross-section study was conducted among 586 gynecological cancer patients. The European Organization for Research and Treatment for Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-spiritual well-being32 (EORTC QLQ-SWB32) and Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (T-DAS) were used to measure spiritual well-being and death anxiety. The Multiple Linear Regression Model was used to determine the relationship between spiritual well-being and death anxiety.ResultsFor all participants, the highest QLQ-SWB32 centesimal score was 75.13 on the Relationship with Other scale, and the lowest was 60.33 on the Relationship with Someone or Something Greater Scale. The mean Death Anxiety score was 5.31 (SD 3.18). We found that Relationship with Someone or Something Greater was the only scale not associated with death anxiety. Overall, patients with lower death anxiety have a higher level of spiritual well-being. Besides, a high Relationship with Other score was associated with living with a partner (B = 2.471, P < 0.001) and married (B = -6.475, P = 0.001). Patients with higher Global-SWB were retired (B = 0.387, P = 0.019).ConclusionsOur study found that the spiritual well-being of patients with gynecological cancer in China was no worse than in other countries with religious beliefs and patients with lower death anxiety have a higher level of spiritual well-being. Clinical staff should pay attention to the spiritual health of cancer patients, and spiritual care should be regarded as an essential element in cancer care.

Attitudes toward and Perceptions of Educational Needs for End-of-Life Care among Health Professions Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

ContextTo provide effective end-of-life care education for health professions students, it is important to understand students’ views of death in addition to their perceptions of educational needs and preferences. However, there is a lack of studies addressing interindividual variability in perceptions of end-of-life care educational needs among health professions students. ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify latent profiles of perceptions of end-of-life care educational needs among health professions students and examine whether the demographic characteristics, death-related events, death attitude, and death anxiety differed by need subgroup. MethodsThrough convenience sampling, health professions students from three universities in China were recruited between March 2020 and June 2020. Data were collected using a demographic information and death-related experience questionnaire, the End-of-Life Care Curriculum Needs Questionnaire, the End-of-Life Care Educational Needs Questionnaire, the Death Attitudes Profile-Revised, and the Templer's Death Anxiety Scale. ResultsA total of 1048 students completed the survey. Two classes of perceptions of end-of-life care educational needs were identified: approximately 29.80% of students belonged to a medium-need group class (1), and 70.20% belonged to a high-need group class (2). Being female and having knowledge of end-of-life care significantly increased the probability of membership in class 2. Students with the two latent profiles reported having varied curriculum needs. In addition, a positive attitude toward death and low death anxiety increased the probability of membership in class 1. ConclusionTwo classes of perceptions of end-of-life care educational needs were identified, and these classes were significantly associated with sex and death-related knowledge (P < 0.05). Interindividual variability should be considered in the future development of end-of-care curricula.

INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEALTH LITERACY LEVEL AND DEATH ANXIETY IN THE ELDERLY IN KERMAN PROVINCE IN 2019

Aging can be associated with a variety of physical illnesses and psychological problems, including death anxiety, and needs to be addressed as the elderly population grows, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between health literacy and death anxiety in the elderly in Bam in 2019. Method: The present study is a descriptive-analytical study conducted on 367 elderly residents of the community who were selected by the available sampling method. To collect data, a questionnaire on demographic data, health literacy Montazeri and Templer Death Anxiety was used. Data were analyzed using Independent t-test, Spearman Correlation Coefficient, and Mann-Whitney U using SPSS version 20. Result: The results showed that literacy in 80.9% of the elderly was insufficient and not enough, and friends were the most important source of health information (141 n = 38.4%). Death anxiety score was low in 81/7 percent of the elderly and women (3/14±4/36) than men (2/40 ±4/17) reported death anxiety(p=0/006). Health literacy also had a direct and significant relationship with death anxiety (p = 0.002, r = 0.158). Conclusion: Given the level of education and inadequate information resources inappropriate in this group and increasing elderly population in recent years, it is necessary to provide educational materials properly, health literacy as a factor that promotes healthy behaviors and makes healthy lifestyle they Be given special attention.

Posttraumatic growth and death anxiety in caregivers of cancer patients: PHOENIX study

Background/aimPosttraumatic growth (PTG) is defined as positive psychological changes following a challenging or traumatic life event. The purpose of this study is to define the predictors of PTG and death anxiety (DAN) in caregivers of cancer patients and evaluate the impact of DAN on PTG.Materials and methodsThe caregivers of cancer patients were evaluated using structured questionnaires, including a validated PTG scale and Templer death anxiety scale.ResultsIn 3 different cancer centers, 426 participants were evaluated. In multivariate analysis of factors associated with PTG, a high DAN score was the only parameter associated with high PTG scores [OR: 1.6, CI (95%) 1.02–2.5, P = 0.03]. In multivariate analysis of factors associated with DAN, female sex was the only risk factor for high DAN scores [OR: 1.6, CI (95%) 1.1–2.8, P = 0.049]. There was a positive correlation between PTG and DAN scores (r = 0.15, P = 0.001). Higher DAN scores were associated with positive impacts on self-perception (37.0 versus 35.0, P = 0.02), philosophy of life (16.0 versus 13.0, P = 0.035), and changes in relationship (16.0 versus 14.0, P = 0.01)ConclusionsThis is the first report regarding the association between DAN and PTG. We found a positive impact of death anxiety on psychological changes in caregivers of cancer patients.

The Relationship Between Spirituality Dimensions and Death Anxiety among Iranian Veterans: Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Approach.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship among spiritual intelligence, spiritual well-being and death anxiety among Iranian veterans. In this predictive correlational study, 211 veterans completed King and DeCicco's Spiritual Intelligence Scale, Paloutzian and Ellison's Spiritual Well-being Scale and Templer's Death Anxiety Scale-Extended. After confirming the reliability of the constructs using intra-class correlation coefficient, partial least squares structural equation modeling method was utilized to assess the impact of spiritual well-being and spiritual intelligence on death anxiety. This study found a significant positive relationship between spiritual intelligence and death anxiety after controlling for the effects of age, education level and disability. However, there was a significant negative relationship between spiritual well-being and death anxiety among Iranian veterans. Negative relationships were found between spiritual well-being and death anxiety among Iranian veterans. However, spiritual intelligence had a positive impact on death anxiety.

Effects of emotional intelligence on death anxiety in oncology nurses

Objective To explore the status quo of emotional intelligence and death anxiety in oncology nurses and the effects of emotional intelligence on their death anxiety, and to provide reference to reducing death anxiety in oncology nurses. Methods Nurses working in oncology departments of 5 ClassⅢ hospitals in Zhejiang Province were selected by convenient sampling from September to December 2017. Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (T-DAS) and Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) were used to evaluate the nurses' death anxiety and emotional intelligence. Univariate analysis, correlation analysis and multivariate analysis were used to explore the relationship between the two. Totally 450 questionnaires were distributed, and 409 valid questionnaires were collected, with an valid collection rate of 90.9%. Results The total score of EIS in the 409 oncology nurses was (97.68±12.54) , and the score of T-DAS totaled (45.16±6.07) . Univariate analysis showed that there was statistically significant difference in total scores of T-DAS between oncology nurses with different sex, age, educational background, title, death education or hospice care training received or not, and end-of-life disposal of patients or family members attended or not (P<0.05) . According to Pearson correlation analysis, emotional intelligence was negatively correlated with death anxiety in oncology nurses (r=-0.337, P<0.01) . Regression analysis showed that the dimensions of emotional perception and emotion management of others in emotional intelligence had negative impact on death anxiety in oncology nurses. Conclusions Nursing managers in oncology departments take targeted interventions and reduce death anxiety in oncology nurses based on the shortcomings in emotional intelligence. Key words: Oncology service, hospital; Nurses; Emotional intelligence; Death anxiety

Exploring the Relationship Between Spiritual Well-Being and Death Anxiety in Survivors of Acute Myocardial Infarction: Moderating Role of Sex, Marital Status and Social Support.

Previous empirical studies have shown that both spiritual well-being (SWB) and death anxiety (DA) significantly affect the mental health of patients with acute diseases. In this regard, our paper contributes to the extant literature by scrutinizing the conditional relationship between SWB and DA as well as the various mechanisms underpinning such a relationship in patients with acute myocardial infraction (AMI). A descriptive, correlational methodology was utilized. Our main sample consisted of 300 patients with acute myocardial infraction who were hospitalized in a specialized medical institution in Iran throughout a two-month period (i.e. August-October 2015). Patients completed Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) and Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS). Even though our study showed that the relationship between SWB and DA in patients with AMI is non-significant, we found that (1) single patients with higher SWB have lower DA, (2) single patients with higher SWB as well as social support have significantly lower DA, and (3) for single men/men without social support, there is a negative relationship between SWB and DA. The relationship between SWB and DA is influenced by factors such as sex, marital status and social support. In addition, the specific nature of this relationship (i.e. strength and sign) is dependent upon the sociodemographic characteristics of patients as well as other contextual influences. Result revealed that although relationship between SWB and DA is non-significant, this is influenced by factors such as sex and social support. In addition, the specific nature of this relationship (i.e. strength and sign) is dependent upon the sociodemographic characteristics of patients as well as other contextual influences.

The ideas about advanced life support and affecting factors at the end-stage of life in a hospital in Turkey

BackgroundThe participation of the people in health decisions may be structured in various levels. One of these is participation in decisions for the treatment. “Advanced directives” is one of the examples for the participation in decisions for the treatment.AimWe wanted to determine the decisions on advanced life support at the end-stage of life in case of a life-threatening illness for the people themselves and their first degree relatives and the factors effecting these decisions.Design and settingThe cross-sectional study was conducted with volunteers among patients and patient relatives who applied to all polyclinics of the Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital except the emergency, oncology and psychiatry polyclinics between 15.12.2012 and 15.03.2013.MethodA questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety Depression (HAD) scale, and Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale (TDA) were applied to all individuals. SPSS for Win. Ver. 17.0 and MS-Excel 2010 Starter software bundles were used for all statistical analysis and calculations.ResultsThe participants want both themselves and their first degree relatives included in end-stage decision-making process. Therefore, the patients and their families should be informed adequately during decision making process and quality communication must be provided.ConclusionParticipants who have given their end-stage decisions previously want to be treated according to these decisions. This desire can just be possible by advanced directives.When moral and material loads of end-stage process are taken into consideration, countries, in which advanced directives are practiced, should be examined well and participants’ desire should be evaluated in terms of practicability.

Cronbach's α reliability, concurrent validity, and factorial structure of the Death Depression Scale in an Iranian hospital staff sample

ObjectiveDeath depression is an important component in the process of death and dying. Death depression is the second element of death. Depression is one of the important features in death distress. The aim of this study was to explore the performance of the Farsi version of the Death Depression Scale with an Iranian convenience sample of nurses (n = 106). MethodsNurses were selected using a convenience sampling method, and completed the Death Depression Scale (DDS), Death Concern Scale (DCS), Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale (CLFDS), Reasons for Death Fear Scale (RDFS), Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), and Death Obsession Scale (DOS). ResultsThe results of exploratory factor analysis on DDS identified 4 factors (56.16% of variance). Factor 1 labeled “Death sadness”, Factor 2 labeled “Death finality/end and Death dread/fear”, Factor 3 labeled “Death despair and Death depression”, and Factor 4 labeled “Death loneliness”. Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.84, Spearman-Brown coefficient 0.85, and Guttman Split-Half coefficient 0.81 The DDS correlated 0.40 with the DCS, 0.39 with the CLFDS, 0.50 with the DAS, 0.35 with the RDFS, and 0.44 with the DOS, indicating good construct and criterion-related validity. Concurrent validity for the DDS with the other scales were significant. ConclusionsThe DDS has good validity and reliability, and it can use in clinical and research settings.

Thanatophobia (Death Anxiety) in the Elderly: The Problem of the Child's Inability to Assess Their Own Parent's Death Anxiety State.

Thanatophobia is omnipresent in our lives. Research has shown separate but connected constructs: fear of death or fear of the dying process. The influences on death anxiety are varied including religiosity, gender, psychological state, and age. It is often assumed by the children of the elderly that the fear of death is prevalent in their parents. Daily the medical staff encounters the presence of death anxiety: from family members or the staff itself. In order to understand this phenomenon, a three-tier study was conducted on non-terminal elderly inpatients in an acute geriatric care ward. The study showed that the elderly had low levels of anxiety (scoring 4/15 on Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale) but their children scored higher for themselves (6.9/15) and for their parents (8.9/15). A regression model showed that only the presence of generalized anxiety and religiosity of parent had an effect explaining 33.6% of the variance. Death anxiety of death is usually absent in the elderly but rather they fear the dying process. On the other hand, their children do fear death, which they extrapolate onto their parents. This causes conflicts since the children prevent disclosure of relevant medical information to their parents. This has to be addressed by the staff when dealing with family members, to allow open and honest communication with their patients. The staff need to explain to the family that the elderly are not afraid of death but of the suffering from the dying process.

Room for improvement: An examination of advance care planning documentation among gynecologic oncology patients

ObjectivesThe goals of this study were: (1) to evaluate patients' knowledge regarding advance directives and completion rates of advance directives among gynecologic oncology patients and (2) to examine the association between death anxiety, disease symptom burden, and patient initiation of advance directives. Methods110 gynecologic cancer patients were surveyed regarding their knowledge and completion of advance directives. Patients also completed the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) scale and Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (DAS). Descriptive statistics were utilized to examine characteristics of the sample. Fisher's exact tests and 2-sample t-tests were utilized to examine associations between key variables. ResultsMost patients were white (76.4%) and had ovarian (46.4%) or uterine cancer (34.6%). Nearly half (47.0%) had recurrent disease. The majority of patients had heard about advance directives (75%). Only 49% had completed a living will or medical power of attorney. Older patients and those with a higher level of education were more likely to have completed an advance directive (p<0.01). Higher MDASI Interference Score (higher symptom burden) was associated with patients being less likely to have a living will or medical power of attorney (p=0.003). Higher DAS score (increased death anxiety) was associated with patients being less likely to have completed a living will or medical power of attorney (p=0.03). ConclusionMost patients were familiar with advance directives, but less than half had created these documents. Young age, lower level of education, disease-related interference with daily activities, and a higher level of death anxiety were associated with decreased rates of advance directive completion, indicating these may be barriers to advance care planning documentation. Young patients, less educated patients, patients with increased disease symptom burden, and patients with increased death anxiety should be targeted for advance care planning discussions as they may be less likely to engage in advance care planning.

Psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of the Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale in cancer patients

ABSTRACTIn this study, 398 Iranian cancer patients completed the 15-item Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS). Tests of internal consistency, principal components analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to assess the internal consistency and factorial validity of the Persian TDAS. The construct reliability statistic and average variance extracted were also calculated to measure construct reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Principal components analysis indicated a 3-component solution, which was generally supported in the confirmatory analysis. However, acceptable cutoffs for construct reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were not fulfilled for the three subscales that were derived from the principal component analysis. This study demonstrated both the advantages and potential limitations of using the TDAS with Persian-speaking cancer patients.

Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of Abdel-Khalek's Death Anxiety Scale among College Students.

Although death anxiety is considered a universal phenomenon, attitudes toward death may vary across populations that differ in terms of religion and culture. Abdel-Khalek's Death Anxiety Scale (ASDA) was developed on the basis of the rationale that there are specific concepts related to death and after death in Muslim populations. This study aims to translate and adapt ASDA in the Turkish population, examine its validity and reliability, and to compare its psychometric properties with the widely used Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (DAS). A total of 220 medical students were included in the study. The Turkish version of ASDA, DAS, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used for data collection. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were .86 for ASDA and .66 for DAS. Analysis by principal components with varimax rotation produced five factors for ASDA that explained 65.6% of total variance. ASDA and DAS were highly correlated with each other (r=.68, p<.001). The results of this study indicate that the Turkish version of Abdel-Khalek's Death Anxiety Scale is a reliable and valid instrument. The Turkish version of ASDA revealed better psychometric properties than DAS. This finding may reflect specific cultural and religious attitudes toward death or may result from more comprehensible language use in ASDA.

Feeling powerless: Locus of control as a potential target for supportive care interventions to increase quality of life and decrease anxiety in ovarian cancer patients

PurposeTo evaluate if an individual's locus of control (LOC) predicts various quality of life (QOL) and mental well-being measures. To identify targets that might enhance the overall spiritual well-being and QOL of ovarian cancer patients. MethodsMulti-site analysis of women with newly diagnosed stages II–IV ovarian, primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer. Patients completed the following surveys: Locus of Control Scale (LOC), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Ovarian (FACT-O), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual (FACIT-Sp), Edmonton Symptom Assessment score (ESAS), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), and Herth Hope Index (HHI).Regression models were created to examine the effect of LOC upon QOL, symptoms, and other measures of mental well-being. These models adjusted for the effect of site of care, race, and partnership status as potential confounders. ResultsThis study enrolled 104 patients from three separate treatment facilities. After adjusting for site, race and partnership status, higher levels of external LOC predicted decreased QOL (FACT-O) (p<0.05). Higher levels of external LOC also correlated with increased death anxiety and general anxiety (p≤0.05). Additionally, higher levels of external LOC predicted decreased hope (HHI) (p≤0.01). DiscussionOvarian cancer patients with a high external LOC may be at risk for decreased QOL at the time of their cancer diagnosis. They may also experience higher levels of anxiety and decreased feelings of hope. Identification of these women and interventions designed to increase a woman's sense of control over her situation may improve QOL and overall mental well-being.

Targeting those with decreased meaning and peace: a supportive care opportunity.

To evaluate if an individual's level of meaning/peace (M/P) predicts various quality of life (QOL) and mental well-being measures. To identify targets that might enhance the overall spiritual well-being and QOL of ovarian cancer patients. Multi-site analysis of women with newly diagnosed stages II-IV ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer. Patients completed the following surveys: Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Ovarian (FACT-O), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual (FACIT-Sp), Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Templer's Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), Herth Hope Index (HHI), and Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS). Linear regression models were created to examine the effect of M/P (FACIT-Sp) upon QOL, symptoms, and other measures of mental well-being. These models adjusted for the effect of site, race, age, stage, anaphylaxis to chemotherapy, and partner status as potential confounders. This study enrolled 104 patients from three separate sites. After adjusting for potential confounders, it was found that higher M/P predicted better QOL (FACT-O) (p < 0.0001). Higher M/P also predicted decreased death anxiety, depression, and anxiety (p ≤ 0.005). Finally, higher M/P predicted increased hope and coping scores (p ≤ 0.0005). Level of M/P is associated with several important mental and physical health states. This information may allow providers to identify patients at increased risk for mental/physical distress and may facilitate early referral to targeted psychotherapy interventions focused on improving patient QOL and decreasing anxiety and depression.

The Factors Contributing to Death Anxiety in Cancer Patients

Suffering comes in many ways for patients confronting cancer. One of these is an unspecifiable fear about death, which is an existential issue. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between death anxiety and its correlates in cancer patients. Seventy cancer patients were assessed using SCID-I, Templer's Death Anxiety Scale, the Hospital Anxiety (A) and Depression (D) Scale, the Distress Thermometer, the Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS), the Global Assessment of Functioning, and Glock and Stark's Dimensions of Religious Commitment scales, and these assessments were compared between cancer patients with and without death anxiety. Multiple regression analysis was conducted after correlation analysis between death anxiety and sociodemographic and clinical variables. Axis I psychiatric diagnosis, pain scores, and negative believes about what will happen after death were found to be higher in patients having death anxiety than patients not having death anxiety. Also life expectancy was perceived as shortened in patients with death anxiety. Death anxiety was associated with anxiety, depressive symptoms, and beliefs about what will happen after death. In conclusion, death anxiety could not be regarded as a natural consequence of having cancer; it is associated with the unresolved psychological and physical distress.

Propiedades psicométricas de la escala de ansiedad ante la muerte de Templer en sujetos mexicanos

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;La presente investigación adaptó la Escala de Ansiedad ante la Muerte de Templer (1970) al español mexicano y obtuvo sus propiedades psicométricas para dos muestras de adultos mexicanos radicados en la ciudad de México. Se entrevistaron 314 sujetos: 165 fueron adultos mayores (97 mujeres y 68 hombres con una edad media de 61.7 y 62.7 respectivamente) y 149 estudiantes universitarios (132 mujeres y 17 hombres con una edad media de 19.4 y 19.9 años). La escala de respuesta se cambió por una escala Likert de cuatro puntos. La estructura del instrumento fue evaluada mediante análisis factorial de componentes principales con rotación varimax en ambas muestras, logrando tres factores para cada grupo. La estructura factorial obtenida de las respuestas de los estudiantes universitarios sólo concordó ligeramente con lo reportado por Tomás-Sábado &amp;amp; Gómez-Benito (2002) en una muestra española equivalente. La consistencia interna del instrumento, medida con el alfa de Cronbach, en cada muestra indica para adultos mayores (.86) y para estudiantes (.83). Se obtuvieron propiedades psicométricas que la hacen recomendable para su uso en adultos mayores mexicanos. Finalmente, los resultados aportan nuevas evidencias sobre los efectos psicométricos derivados del posible impacto cultural de diferentes naciones de habla hispana y, entre generaciones.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Palabras clave: &lt;/strong&gt;ansiedad, muerte, adultos mayores, estudiantes universitarios.&lt;/p&gt;