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Tales from the Crypt: On the Role of Death in Life
Author(s) -
Solomon Sheldon,
Greenberg Jeff,
Pyszczynski Tom
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
zygon®
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 23
eISSN - 1467-9744
pISSN - 0591-2385
DOI - 10.1111/0591-2385.1241998124
Subject(s) - existentialism , value (mathematics) , meaning (existential) , psychology , set (abstract data type) , vulnerability (computing) , psychodynamics , interpersonal communication , death anxiety , social psychology , transcendence (philosophy) , terror management theory , function (biology) , epistemology , psychotherapist , anxiety , psychoanalysis , philosophy , computer science , computer security , machine learning , psychiatry , evolutionary biology , biology , programming language
An existential psychodynamic theory is presented based on Ernest Becker's claim that self‐esteem and cultural worldviews function to ameliorate the anxiety associated with the uniquely human awareness of vulnerability and mortality. Psychological equanimity is hypothesized to require (1) a shared set of beliefs about reality that imbues the universe with stability, meaning, and permanence; (2) standards by which individuals can judge themselves to be of value; and (3) promises of safety and the transcendence of death to those who meet the standards of value. An empirical research program in support of this theory is then described, and the personal and interpersonal implications of these ideas are briefly considered.