Death’s Divide: Study Reveals Almost Half Of Malta Believes They’ll Go To Heaven
While death might be the great equaliser, being the common factor uniting people across all religions, perceptions surrounding it are varied and deeply personal.
A revealing study from the University of Malta’s Faculty for Social Wellbeing has shed light on how the Maltese population feels about the end of life, offering a mix of somber as well as hopeful views.
The survey of 400 people showed 46% believed that they would go to heaven after dying, with 31% disagreeing and 23% undecided.
Conducted using the Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAP-R) during the summer, the study gauged beliefs about death and dying among 400 individuals aged 18 and above. While a consensus emerged about death’s inevitability, the emotions surrounding it was wide-ranging.
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Most Maltese people view death as an unmistakably grim experience, with an overwhelming 69% concurring. Yet, intertwined with this outlook is a hopeful perspective: nearly half believe in a posthumous stay in heaven.
This belief is particularly prevalent among those aged over 65, with women being more optimistic about their afterlife prospects than men.
“Death remains a taboo subject we hardly discuss in our communities,” commented Andrew Azzopardi, the Dean of the Faculty in a discussion with Newsbook. For Azzopardi, these conversations are vital as everyone will inevitably face death, both in personal experiences and as we witness the passing of loved ones.
Interestingly, 78% of respondents view death as a release from earthly pains and troubles. However, the culture of silence surrounding this topic is palpable. Almost half of the respondents felt that Maltese society isn’t receptive to open discussions on death.
Do you believe in an afterlife?
Cover Photo by Bengt Nyman
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