Death across the lifespan: Age differences in death-related thoughts and anxiety. Issue 2 (7th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chopik, William J.
• Is Part Of: Death studies. Volume 41:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2017-02-07
• Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Death -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2016.1206997
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-1187

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Many studies have found age-related declines in death-related anxiety. Why do death-related thoughts and anxiety decline across the lifespan when exposure to, and likelihood of, death increase over time? In Study 1, a cross-sectional survey of 2, 363 adults, death-related thoughts declined across the lifespan. In Study 2, a longitudinal study of 9, 815 adults followed over a 4-year period, death anxiety declined across the lifespan. Further, greater social support predicted lower levels of death anxiety over time, after controlling for self-rated health and chronic illnesses. Close relationships serve emotion regulation functions to decrease death anxiety and thoughts across the lifespan.