A Network Meta-Analysis of Different Psychological Therapies for Death Anxiety in Older Adults.
Jinhong Lu, Youzhuan Yang, Hongchao Ma
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In 30 seconds
This network meta-analysis compared psychosocial therapies for death anxiety in older adults, drawing on seven randomized controlled trials involving 266 participants. Searches covered the earliest available records through July 2024. The analysis found that teaching components of spiritual intelligence therapy ranked highest for reducing death anxiety, with a SUCRA value of 99.6%. The authors concluded that this approach had the most favorable efficacy ranking among the therapies assessed.
Key findings
- Seven randomized controlled trials with 266 older adults were included in the network meta-analysis.
- Teaching components of spiritual intelligence therapy ranked highest for reducing death anxiety (SUCRA: 99.6%).
Why it matters
Death anxiety is a psychological outcome relevant to older adults, and this analysis compares several psychosocial approaches rather than evaluating one therapy in isolation. Its ranking may help inform discussion of therapeutic options, while the limited evidence base means the result should be interpreted as comparative evidence from a small set of trials, not definitive proof of superiority.
What to keep in mind
The analysis included only seven trials and 266 participants, limiting the evidence base for comparing therapies.