Determining the relationship between health anxiety and religious coping among university students

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between health anxiety and religious coping among university students. The research was conducted using a cross-sectional and descriptive design. The sample consisted of 291 students enrolled in a vocational school of a public university during the spring semester of the 2025–2026 academic year. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Health Anxiety Scale, and the Religious Coping Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were employed in the statistical analyses. The findings indicated that students’ health anxiety levels were close to moderate (Mean = 17.31 ± 8.57), with higher sensitivity to bodily symptoms. Positive religious coping levels (Mean = 19.65 ± 3.30) were found to be higher than negative religious coping levels (Mean = 8.52 ± 2.40). In addition, religious coping levels differed significantly according to gender and age; male students had higher negative religious coping scores, while students aged 21–24 demonstrated higher levels of both positive and negative religious coping. Correlation analysis revealed no statistically significant relationship between religious coping and health anxiety (p > 0.05). Similarly, regression analysis showed that positive and negative religious coping variables were not significant predictors of health anxiety (R² = 0.007). However, individuals with chronic illnesses exhibited higher levels of health anxiety, and significant differences were observed according to certain sociodemographic variables such as place of residence. The findings suggest that although religious coping is a commonly used strategy among university students, it does not demonstrate a direct and strong relationship with health anxiety. Health anxiety appears to be more closely associated with cognitive appraisal processes and individual sensitivities. Therefore, future studies are recommended to incorporate mediating and moderating variables into analytical models.