Religiosity in times of crisis: uncovering Canadians’ responses to COVID-19 through terror management theory

This paper examines the impact of religiosity on fear of death related to COVID-19 in Canada. Drawing on Terror Management Theory (TMT), which posits that awareness of mortality intensifies the search for meaning and produces certain coping mechanisms, this study explores the relationship between pandemic-induced fear and levels of religiosity. Using survey data collected during the pandemic, our findings reveal an interesting dynamic: individuals reporting the highest levels of religiosity exhibit the lowest fear of death. This pattern, however, is less pronounced in Quebec, suggesting that unique cultural and social factors within the region may mediate this relationship. While preliminary, this research provides insights into the role of religion as a coping mechanism triggered by crises. Using Canada and COVID-19 as case studies, it benefits our understanding of how belief systems alter individuals’ reactions to global events.