Remembering the initial realization of one's own mortality

Death Stud. 2014 Jul-Dec;38(6-10):648-53. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2013.837990. Epub 2014 Mar 10.

Abstract

Research shows many effects of reminding people of their mortality; however, little is known about whether people recall the moment they first realized they will die, or what factors are associated with whether they do. Data from 1,552 undergraduates and a community sample of 149 adults found that about one third of participants reported remembering the moment. Individuals who recall the moment have slightly lower self-esteem, are more likely to believe in a soul, and are more prone to dissociation than those who do not. Further research into how recollection of the moment relates to psychological well-being is recommended.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Death*
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Fear / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical*
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Self Concept*
  • Students / psychology
  • Young Adult