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Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses

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Terror Management Theory and the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Tom Pyszczynski¹, McKenzie Lockett¹, Jeff Greenberg²

¹University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA.

Journal of Humanistic Psychology

|April 11, 2024

Summary

Terror management theory explains how death awareness influences COVID-19 responses. Fear of death, even when subconscious, drives attitudes and behaviors related to the virus and its psychological impact.

Keywords:

COVID-19 death anxiety existential psychology mental health self-esteem social unrest terror management theory

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Last Updated: Jun 28, 2025

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Social Psychology
Health Psychology

Background:

Terror management theory posits that awareness of mortality shapes human behavior.
The COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique, pervasive threat to life, impacting psychological well-being globally.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the application of terror management theory in understanding diverse responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To examine the role of death awareness and defense mechanisms in shaping attitudes and behaviors toward the virus.

Main Methods:

Conceptual analysis applying terror management theory principles.
Distinction between proximal and distal defense mechanisms in the context of the pandemic.

Main Results:

Fear of death significantly influences individual responses to COVID-19, irrespective of perceived threat level.
Proximal defenses are activated by direct, conscious thoughts of the virus, while distal defenses involve broader meaning-seeking and value affirmation.
Ineffective terror management strategies may contribute to psychological distress and disorders.

Conclusions:

Terror management theory provides a valuable framework for understanding the psychological underpinnings of pandemic-related behaviors.
Addressing death awareness and promoting effective defense mechanisms are crucial for mitigating psychological distress during health crises.