Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Death Anxiety: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Fear of death is something most people experience at some level, but for some people with anxiety disorders, thoughts about death and dying become overwhelming and debilitating — interfering with daily life, relationships, and the ability to plan for the future. This type of 'death anxiety' is rarely addressed directly in standard anxiety treatments. This study is testing an online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program specifically designed to help people manage their fears about death and dying. Participants will be randomly assigned to either start the program immediately or join a waitlist. The program involves written exercises and structured modules delivered via the internet at your own pace. Researchers will measure death anxiety levels, general mental health, and user experience throughout. You may be eligible if you are 18 or older, live in Australia, have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, score above the clinical threshold on a death anxiety scale, and have regular internet access. You must not have been in consistent psychotherapy in the last six months. If you are taking antidepressants, the dose must have been stable for at least eight weeks.