Effects of maternal themes upon death imagery

Two samples (n = 47, n = 45) of women were studied to determine the impact of maternal messages upon death imagery as measured by the Holtzmann Inkblots. In both samples a maternal symbiotic message significantly decreased death imagery. A maternal monosymbiotic message resulted in decreased death imagery in only one sample. Control messages produced no changes in death imagery. The findings are congruent with theories that link death anxiety with concern about separation from parental figures.