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The Effect of Group Identification on Death Anxiety: The Chain Mediation Role of Close Relationships and Self-Esteem

Author

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  • Zilun Xiao

    (Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China)

  • Yufang Zhao

    (Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China)

  • Yingcan Zheng

    (Developmental Psychology for Armyman, Department of Medical Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China)

  • Yan Bao

    (Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China)

  • Chao Zhang

    (Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China)

Abstract

Based on the terror management theory (TMT), this study integrated self-esteem and close relationships to explore the effects of group identification on death anxiety. Five hundred and four participants completed the Death Anxiety, Rosenberg Self-Esteem, Social Identity, and Inclusion of Other in the Self scales via online platforms. There were significant correlations among group identification, close relationship, self-esteem, and death anxiety. Group identification had a significant negative predictive effect on death anxiety. Specifically, group identification affects death anxiety through two pathways: the separate mediating role of self-esteem and the serial mediation pathway of close relationships → self-esteem. Our study provides direct evidence that group identification relieves death anxiety. The results showed that the alleviating function of group identification was mediated by self-esteem and close relationships. This study provides a new perspective concerning TMT as a defense mechanism against death anxiety.

Suggested Citation

  • Zilun Xiao & Yufang Zhao & Yingcan Zheng & Yan Bao & Chao Zhang, 2022. "The Effect of Group Identification on Death Anxiety: The Chain Mediation Role of Close Relationships and Self-Esteem," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-9, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:16:p:10179-:d:890156
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Linyu Shi & Hao Li & Lianqiong Huang & Yubo Hou & Lili Song, 2022. "Does Cyberostracism Reduce Prosocial Behaviors? The Protective Role of Psychological Resilience," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-20, April.
    2. Julianne Holt-Lunstad & Timothy B Smith & J Bradley Layton, 2010. "Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(7), pages 1-1, July.
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