HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Cited by other online articles Google Scholar Articles by Cicirelli, V. G. Articles citing this Article PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Cicirelli, V. G.

Fear of Death in Older Adults

Predictions From Terror Management Theory

^a Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana

Victor G. Cicirelli, Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1364 E-mail: victor{at}psych.purdue.edu.

Decision Editor: Margie E. Lachman, PhD

Terror management theory asserts that death fear (fear of annihilation) is buffered by self-esteem and beliefs in literal and symbolic immortality achieved through participation in the cultural system. The aims of this study were to determine how variables suggested by the theory were related to fear of death measures. Participants were 123 Black and 265 White elders aged 60 to 100 years; they were assessed on the Multidimensional Fear of Death Scale (MFODS), self-esteem, religiosity, locus of control, socioeconomic status, social support, and health. Regression analysis findings ( p < .05) offered partial support to the theory, with greater Fear of the Unknown (fear of annihilation) related to weaker religiosity, less social support, and greater externality; the effect of self-esteem was mediated by externality. Other predictors were related to an overall fear score based on the remaining 7 MFODS subscales. Findings are interpreted in terms of changing sources of self-esteem in old age.

This article has been cited by other articles: (Search Google Scholar for Other Citing Articles)

				V. G. Cicirelli Fear of Death in Mid-Old Age J. Gerontol. B. Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci., March 1, 2006; 61(2): P75 - P81. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]