The mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between perceived COVID-19 threat and death anxiety

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is a new and highly detrimental event that has influenced the world over. Besides the obvious health risks, COVID-19 has also affected people psychologically. The high risk of contamination can increase the perceived COVID-19 threat and death anxiety in individuals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between perceived COVID-19 threat and death anxiety. Additionally, the study also investigated the role of gender, profession and income level in the perceived COVID-19 threat and death anxiety. Method: The research sample was composed of 562 individuals from the community. The data was gathered by using personal information form and the Perceived COVID-19 Threat Form, Self-Compassion Scale and Turkish Death Anxiety Scale. Results: The relationship between perceived COVID-19 threat and death anxiety was partially mediated by self-compassion. Moreover, people in the high income group had a lower level of perceived COVID-19 threat and death anxiety score compared to the low-income group. Perceived COVID-19 threat levels were lower among health care professionals compared to unemployed individuals. Female participants had a higher level of perceived COVID-19 threat and death anxiety score compared to male participants. Discussion: Self-compassion may be an essential variable to help cope with problems related to perceived COVID-19 threat and death anxiety. Improving our understanding of the psychological impacts of COVID-19 is necessary and essential.

Keywords

• anxiety
• anxiety disorders
• covid-19
• death anxiety