The terror management theory is a theory that states that all human behavior is motivated by the fear of death. In order to deal with and forget our mortality we create culture, on which our social identity and self esteem are built (compare with social identity theory). It is believed that we, once we become aware of our mortality are more likely to enforce religion, and our social/cultural identity. This could be an explanation why disasters and terror attacks often lead to collectivism and patriotism. It happened during the 9/11 in the United States and it also seems likely to be the case for the recent terror attack in Norway. When we are reminded of death we are more likely to appreciate life, our loved ones and the institutions on which our identity is built.
Research on terror management theory
3 Comments
New
10/1/2011 04:13:10 pm
It's an interesting idea of how the very idea of fear can evoke unity and patriotism. Unfortunately, this irony happens to be true in many cases. Again, allow me to digress and bring you some perspective from literature, for the 10th time i guess? hahaha. Lots of writers a solely dependent upon the idea of the weight of mortality. Especially in the fields of Existentialism. With the knowledge of death itself, existentialist would "compromise" to the inevitable doom, thus living their life to the fullest with very low amounts of expectations or meaning in life.
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Mr Hansson
10/2/2011 11:54:56 pm
New, I don´t think your comments are irrelevant at all. I have recently been pondering about the psychological effect of realizing one´s immortality.
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5/9/2016 11:29:31 pm
The terror management theory is a theory that states that all human behavior is motivated by the fear of death.
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AuthorThis is my class blog for IB Psychology. Here I will publish reflections on psychology, reviews of psychology books, recommended links, lecture notes, and information on psychology topics that are not covered by the syllabus. You are free to add comments or ask me questions. Archives
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