Death Preparation and Anxiety: A Survey in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study reports the results of a survey on death preparation, death-related beliefs, and death anxiety in a Hong Kong sample. Respondents ( N = 285) recruited from the community were asked if they have prepared for them-selves a life insurance, a will, and a resting place (e.g. burial site, columbarium, etc.). Questions about their death-related cultural beliefs and anxiety were also asked. Results indicated that respondents who have thought of preparing for their own deaths but not yet acted out ( contemplators) held stronger traditional cultural beliefs about death than respondents who have either done the preparations ( planners) or never thought of the idea ( non-contemplators). Contemplators also reported higher death anxiety. Despite limitations of the study's design, the current results suggest the beliefs in cultural taboo may play a role in the preparation for one's death.