Global Business and Finance Review | 2026
Authors: Chi M.-H.; Lee B.-S.; Park J.-C.; Yang J.-Y.
DOI: 10.17549/gbfr.2026.31.3.91
Journal: Global Business and Finance Review
Year: 2026
Publisher: People and Global Business Association
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Cited by: 0
Purpose: This study examines the paradoxical effects of end-of-life preparation services on elderly psychological well-being in faith-based healthcare settings. This research investigates how death preparation interventions influence psychological constructs among older adults, particularly focusing on the service delivery paradox where well-intentioned interventions may produce unintended consequences. Design/methodology/approach: The research employed purposive sampling to select 335 older adults aged 60 years and above from churches and community centers in South Korea. Data were collected through online questionnaires measuring life satisfaction, death preparation engagement, ego integrity, and death anxiety using validated 5-point Likert scales. Structural equation modeling using SPSS and AMOS examined relationships between psychological variables, with additional subgroup analyses based on religious commitment levels. Findings: Results revealed that life satisfaction positively affects ego integrity (β = 0.667, p < 0.001) and negatively influences death anxiety (β =-0.458, p < 0.01). Paradoxically, death preparation interventions demonstrated negative effects on ego integrity (β =-0.143, p < 0.01) and increased death anxiety (β = 0.200, p < 0.001). The hypothesized relationship between ego integrity and death anxiety was not statistically significant (β =-0.032, p = 0.784). Research limitations/implications: The study's focus on faith-based communities provides context-specific insights while limiting generalizability to secular populations. Findings suggest that end-of-life preparation interventions may trigger complex psychological responses requiring careful consideration of individual characteristics and sequential service delivery approaches. Originality/value: This research identifies the service delivery paradox in end-of-life preparation, demonstrating that death preparation interventions may produce effects contrary to expectations. The study provides insights for healthcare organizations developing psychosocial interventions within faith-based settings. © The Author(s).
death anxiety; ego integrity; end-of-life preparation; faith-based healthcare; psychological well-being; service paradox