Terror management theory: A theoretical perspective on orgination, maintenance, and research

Author

Robert B. Arrowood, Tusculum College
J. Brian Pope, Tusculum College

Periodical Title

Modern Psychological Studies

Volume

20

Number

1

Page Numbers

pages 87-95

Department

Dept. of Psychology

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Date

2014

Abstract

Research suggests that humans engage in several worldview defense mechanisms to shield against the terror associated with an awareness of mortality (Greenberg, Pyszczynski, & Solomon, 1986). To mitigate anxiety, people strongly adhere to their cultural worldviews that allow them to boost their self-esteem. This self-esteem fosters a sense of immortality because the world is considered a 'just" place that will not harm someone that is living in adherence to cultural guidelines (Rosenblatt, Greenberg, Solomon, Pyszczynski, & Lyon, 1989). This paper provides a theoretical background for Terror Management Theory including its philosophical origination, the primary tenets of the theory, and the experimental methods used to manipulate death awareness.

Subject

Psychology

Keyword

Cultural defense mechanisms; Death awareness; Memes; Mortality salience; Shielding; Terror Management Theory

Discipline

Psychology

Document Type

article

DCMI Type

Text

Extent

9 leaves

Language

English

Call Number

BF1 .M63 v. 20 no. 1 2014

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Recommended Citation

Arrowood, Robert B. and Pope, J. Brian (2014) "Terror management theory: A theoretical perspective on orgination, maintenance, and research," Modern Psychological Studies: Vol. 20: No. 1, Article 8.
Available at: https://scholar.utc.edu/mps/vol20/iss1/8