Stigmatization and Death Anxiety among Cancer Patients: Mediating role of Religiosity

Cancer stigmatization plays a significant role in predicting death anxiety among patients. Religiosity may serve as a personal resource of support and consolation when people face death anxiety. The current study was conducted to investigate the mediating effect of religiosity between the relationship of stigmatization and death anxiety. Correlational research design was used. Data were collected by administering a survey with the help of Questionnaires. Sample of 50 cancer patents were selected by using purposive sampling technique. Cancer Stigma Scale (Marlow & Wardle, 2014), Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale (Templer, 1970) and Short Muslim Practice and Belief Scale (AlMarri et al., 2009) were used to measure research variables. Findings suggest that death anxiety is significantly positively correlated with stigmatization. Moreover, study reveals that cancer stigma is a significant positive predictor of death anxiety. In addition, religiosity significantly mediates the relationship of stigmatization and fear of death. Furthermore, men and women are both experiencing cancer-related stigmatization in Pakistan. However, women face a higher level of stigmatization and higher fear of death than men. It is recommended the practice of religiosity, because it can serve as a coping mechanism for death anxiety and reduce feelings of stigma.