Death anxiety in adult life—theoretical perspectives

Abstract

This review presents several theoretical approaches relevant to the study of death anxiety in adult and old age. Several philosophical approaches (existential and logical) are considered. The review of psychological approaches includes theories, such as personal construct theory, that have made an important contribution to the study of death anxiety. Other theories, which have been used less extensively, or which have not been used at all in research on death anxiety, are reviewed for their relevance to this area. They include approaches such as the self-concept discrepancy theory or theories of intellectual development in middle and old age. The discussion identifies several challenges faced by researchers in this field: operationalization of vague theoretical concepts, creative application of theories, integration of several approaches, and use of appropriate methods such as longitudinal or experimental designs.