Individual differences in terror management: The role of worldview internalization and worldview type.

摘要

A study was conducted examining individual differences in the mortality salience effect described by terror management theory. Specifically, two characteristics of the individual's shared cultural worldview were investigated: whether the worldview is religious or secular in nature, and the degree of internalization (as described by self-determination theory) of the worldview. Participants were drawn from the University at Albany Psychology 101 Subject Pool, and from various faith-based and political action groups both on the UAlbany campus and in the community. In addition to a main effect for mortality salience, mixed support was provided for the two major hypotheses. Attachment, race, and gender are considered as moderator variables, limitations of the study are discussed, and suggestions for future research are proposed.