Terror Management Theory

Terror Management Theory suggests that humans are aware of their mortality, which creates underlying anxiety. To cope with this fear, people cling to cultural beliefs, values, and self-identity that give life meaning and a sense of permanence beyond death. These shared systems provide comfort and reduce existential dread, shaping our behaviors, attitudes, and reactions. In essence, our efforts to manage the profound awareness of mortality influence much of what we do, seeking to find purpose and security in a transient existence.