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Bessarabova E, Massey ZB. The effects of death awareness and reactance on texting-and-driving prevention. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2023; 43:2597-2609. [PMID: 36802065 DOI: 10.1111/risa.14107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Using a 2 (mortality: salient, control) × 2 (freedom-limiting language: freedom-limiting, autonomy-supportive) independent-group design, this study examined the relationship between mortality salience and psychological reactance in the context of texting-and-driving prevention messages. The terror management health model and the theory of psychological reactance guided study predictions. Results showed mortality salience produced adaptive effects on attitudes toward texting-and-driving prevention and behavioral intentions to reduce unsafe driving practices. Additionally, some evidence for the effectiveness of directive, albeit freedom-limiting communication, emerged. These and other results are discussed along with the implications, limitations, and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bessarabova
- Department of Communication, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Zachary B Massey
- School of Journalism, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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2
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Menzies RE, Menzies RG. Death anxiety and mental health: Requiem for a dreamer. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 78:101807. [PMID: 36435549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recently, there has been an increased interest in the role of death anxiety in a broad range of mental health disorders. It has been argued that the fear of death may be a transdiagnostic variable contributing to the development and maintenance of many chronic mental health problems. Further, it has been suggested that death anxiety may be responsible for relapse and the emergence of new disorders in patients that have received successful treatment for earlier conditions in their lives. Given this, the purpose of the present selective review is to: (1) explore contemporary theoretical accounts of the role of death anxiety in a broad range of human behaviours; (2) examine evidence for death anxiety as a key variable in mental health disorders; (3) examine evidence on the treatment of death anxiety in both non-clinical and clinical populations; (4) describe the limitations of the current literature, and; (5) provide a detailed description of the critical future directions for this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ross G Menzies
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
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5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine: An Ego-Dissolving Endogenous Neurochemical Catalyst of Creativity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s41470-019-00063-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Türkarslan KK, Okay D, Çevrim M, Bozo Ö. Life is short, stay awake: Death anxiety and bedtime procrastination. The Journal of General Psychology 2019; 147:43-61. [PMID: 31291166 DOI: 10.1080/00221309.2019.1633994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the relation between bedtime procrastination and death anxiety, and also the moderator roles of gender and purpose in life were investigated. Data were collected from 245 participants through an online survey. The results revealed that gender, but not purpose in life, moderated the relation between death anxiety and bedtime procrastination. The effect of death anxiety on bedtime procrastination was significant only for males. Further, this effect was still significant even after controlling circadian energy and self-control. The findings can be explained based on the Terror Management Theory. Bedtime procrastination can be considered risk-taking behavior, and it functions as a world view for males. Moreover, males might have regarded sleep as a waste of time, and therefore, delayed bedtime to increase their non-sleeping lifetime.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Deniz Okay
- Middle East Technical University.,TED University
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Death anxiety and its association with hypochondriasis and medically unexplained symptoms: A systematic review. J Psychosom Res 2018; 115:58-65. [PMID: 30470318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review of the available literature to (1) examine the association between death anxiety and hypochondriasis and (2) examine the association between death anxiety and medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in Embase, PsycINFO, Pubmed and Ovid databases and reference lists of selected articles. Articles were included when the research population concerned people with hypochondriasis and/or MUS in who death anxiety was assessed by a validated research method. Two independent reviewers verified that the studies met the inclusion criteria, assessed the quality of the studies and extracted relevant characteristics and data. The data were descriptively analysed. RESULTS Of the 1087 references identified in the search, six studies on the association between death anxiety and hypochondriasis and three studies on the association between death anxiety and MUS met inclusion criteria. All studies found a positive association of death anxiety with hypochondriasis and/or MUS. The design of all studies was cross-sectional and the overall quality of the studies was low. The influence of age or sex on these associations was not analysed in any of the studies. Given the diversity in setting, population, study design, and methods used, a meta-analysis was not possible. CONCLUSION All studies found a positive association of death anxiety with hypochondriasis and/or MUS. Acknowledging that death anxiety may play a prominent role in hypochondriasis/MUS populations, future research should address (potentially modifiable) determinants of death anxiety in these populations.
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Yagil Y, Geller S, Levy S, Sidi Y, Aharoni S. Body-image, quality of life and psychological distress: a comparison between kidney transplant patients and a matching healthy sample. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2017; 23:424-433. [PMID: 29139313 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2017.1400668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to assess the uniqueness of the condition of kidney transplant recipients in comparison to a sample of matching healthy peers in relation to body-image dissatisfaction and identification, quality of life and psychological distress. Participants were 45 kidney transplant recipients who were under follow-up care at a Transplant Unit of a major Medical Center, and a sample of 45 matching healthy peers. Measures were taken using self-report questionnaires [Body-Image Ideals Questionnaire (BIIQ), Body Identification Questionnaire (BIQ), Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI), and the SF-12]. The major findings were the following: (i) kidney transplant recipients reported lower levels of quality of life and higher levels of PsD when compared to their healthy peers; (ii) no difference in body-image dissatisfaction was found between the two studied groups; (iii) significant correlations between body-image dissatisfaction quality of life and PsD were found only in the kidney transplant recipients. The kidney transplantation condition has a moderating effect in the association between body-image dissatisfaction PsD but not in the association between body-image dissatisfaction and quality of life; (iv) kidney transplant recipients experienced higher levels of body identification than did their healthy peers. Taken together, these findings highlight the unique condition of kidney transplant recipients, as well as the function that body-image plays within the self.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Yagil
- a Department of Social Work , Tel-Hai College , Upper Galillee , Israel
| | - Shulamit Geller
- b School of Behavioral Sciences , Tel Aviv-Yaffo Academic College , Tel-Aviv , Israel
| | - Sigal Levy
- b School of Behavioral Sciences , Tel Aviv-Yaffo Academic College , Tel-Aviv , Israel
| | - Yael Sidi
- b School of Behavioral Sciences , Tel Aviv-Yaffo Academic College , Tel-Aviv , Israel
| | - Shiri Aharoni
- b School of Behavioral Sciences , Tel Aviv-Yaffo Academic College , Tel-Aviv , Israel
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Chopik WJ. Death across the lifespan: Age differences in death-related thoughts and anxiety. DEATH STUDIES 2017; 41:69-77. [PMID: 27573253 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2016.1206997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have found age-related declines in death-related anxiety. Why do death-related thoughts and anxiety decline across the lifespan when exposure to, and likelihood of, death increase over time? In Study 1, a cross-sectional survey of 2,363 adults, death-related thoughts declined across the lifespan. In Study 2, a longitudinal study of 9,815 adults followed over a 4-year period, death anxiety declined across the lifespan. Further, greater social support predicted lower levels of death anxiety over time, after controlling for self-rated health and chronic illnesses. Close relationships serve emotion regulation functions to decrease death anxiety and thoughts across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Chopik
- a Department of Psychology , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan , USA
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Pinel EC, Long AE, Murdoch EQ, Helm P. A prisoner of one's own mind: Identifying and understanding existential isolation. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2016.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
The present research examined how narcissism is related to perceptions of meaning derived from distinct types of life goals, namely, extrinsic and intrinsic. Although in most cases extrinsic goals are inversely associated with well-being, we propose that narcissists’ pursuit of extrinsic goals (e.g., wealth, fame) is positively linked to meaning in life. In Study 1, higher levels of narcissism corresponded with viewing extrinsic goals as more meaningful. In Study 2, focusing participants on the extrinsic, relative to intrinsic, value of their goal pursuit increased meaning among narcissists. Taken together, narcissists derive meaning from extrinsic goals.
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The Psychological Effects of Terrorism are Moderated by Cultural
Worldviews [Les Effets Psychologiques du Terrorisme sont Modérés par les
Normes Culturelles]. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.5334/irsp.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Jain P, Ellithorpe ME. Mortality salience influences attitudes and information-seeking behavior related to organ donation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2016.1183937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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12
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Death anxiety and its role in psychopathology: Reviewing the status of a transdiagnostic construct. Clin Psychol Rev 2014; 34:580-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Hohman ZP, Hogg MA. Mortality salience, self-esteem, and defense of the group: mediating role of in-group identification. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael A. Hogg
- Department of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences; Claremont Graduate University
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Abstract
Although resistance takes many forms, this article elucidates the primary source of resistance in psychotherapy as well as the fundamental resistance to leading a fulfilling life. The ultimate resistance to change, in both cases, originates in the anticipatory fear of arousing existential angst. To varying degrees, most individuals retreat from life and adopt defense mechanisms in an attempt to avoid reawakening suppressed feelings of terror and dread they experienced as children in early separation experiences, and, in particular, when they first learned about death. As clients dismantle their defenses during therapy and move toward increased individuation and self-fulfillment, these unconscious fears threaten to emerge into conscious awareness, and core resistances come into play. Certain events and circumstances, both positive and negative, arouse or intensify latent death anxiety, whereas other circumstances and defenses relieve it. There are numerous defenses that help ameliorate the core anxiety including the fantasy bond—an illusion of connection or fusion with another person, persons, groups, or causes—addictions, microsuicidal behavior, and literal and symbolic methods of denying one’s eventual demise. Although these defenses provide a measure of security and a sense of immortality, they adversely affect one’s psychological adjustment, emotional well-being, and interpersonal relationships.
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Baldwin DV. Primitive mechanisms of trauma response: an evolutionary perspective on trauma-related disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:1549-66. [PMID: 23792048 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The symptoms we identify and the behaviors we recognize as defenses define which symptoms we see as trauma-related. Early conceptions of trauma-related disorders focused on physical signs of distress while current ones emphasize mental symptoms, but traumatizing experiences evoke psychobiological reactions. An evolutionary perspective presumes that psychophysical reactions to traumatizing events evolved to ensure survival. This theoretical review examines several primitive mechanisms (e.g., sensitization and dissolution) associated with responses to diverse stressors, from danger to life-threat. Some rapidly acquired symptoms form without conscious awareness because severe stresses can dysregulate mental and physical components within systems ensuring survival. Varied defensive options engage specialized and enduring psychophysical reactions; this allows for more adaptive responses to diverse threats. Thus, parasympathetically mediated defense states such as freeze or collapse increase trauma-related symptom variability. Comorbidity and symptom variability confuse those expecting mental rather than psychophysical responses to trauma, and active (sympathetically mediated flight and fight) rather than immobility defenses. Healthcare implications for stress research, clinical practice and diagnostic nosology stem from the broader evolutionary view.
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Hohman ZP, Hogg MA. Fear and uncertainty in the face of death: The role of life after death in group identification. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary P. Hohman
- School of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences; Claremont Graduate University; Claremont; USA
| | - Michael A. Hogg
- School of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences; Claremont Graduate University; Claremont; USA
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