The Denying of Death: A Social Psychological Study

Authors

Henry H. B. Chang, University of Maine, Presque Isle
Carla Kaye Chang

Abstract

Cultural studies indicate the existence of a ubiquitous death fear This fear is usually manifest through the defense mechanism of denial. In American society, the contradiction between life-oriented cultural themes and the death theme intensifies the denial of death.

Past studies indicate that a host of social and psychological variables are associated with death denial. The present study consisted of a survey of death attitudes. The results showed that death denial is associated with age, marital status, death of a parent, feeling of nervousness, and participation in dangerous activities. On the other hand. sex, health, and religious activity were not found associated with death denial.

Recommended Citation

Chang, Henry H. B. and Chang, Carla Kaye (1980) "The Denying of Death: A Social Psychological Study," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 7: Iss. 5, Article 8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1478
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol7/iss5/8