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

Zilun Xiao, Yufang Zhao (), Yingcan Zheng (), Yan Bao and Chao Zhang
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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

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 16, 1-9

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.

Keywords: group identification; death anxiety; self-esteem; close relationships (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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