Insecure attachment as a predictor of death anxiety: A meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Existential Psychology

Background:

• Terror Management Theory (TMT) posits close relationships buffer existential threats, particularly death anxiety.
• The role of attachment orientations in mitigating death anxiety requires further clarification regarding situational moderators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To meta-analytically examine moderating variables in the relationship between attachment orientations and death anxiety.
• To investigate if close relationships are the primary or interchangeable buffer against death anxiety within TMT.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis was conducted synthesizing data from 18 studies.
• A total of 6,338 participants were included in the analysis.
• Attachment anxiety and avoidance were assessed as predictors of death anxiety.

Main Results:

• Attachment anxiety showed a significant positive association with death anxiety (r=0.27), with no identified moderators.
• Attachment avoidance also predicted higher death anxiety (r=0.16).
• The link between attachment avoidance and death anxiety was moderated by participant age and education levels.

Conclusions:

• Findings support the integral role of close relationships in buffering death anxiety, consistent with TMT.
• Attachment orientations significantly predict death anxiety, with specific moderators influencing avoidance.
• This research refines the understanding of psychological mechanisms underlying terror management.