University of Missouri-Columbia, USA.
Pers Soc Psychol Rev. 2012 Nov;16(4):303-29. doi: 10.1177/1088868312440046. Epub 2012 Apr 5.
Research derived from terror management theory (TMT) has shown that people's efforts to manage the awareness of death often have deleterious consequences for the individual and society. The present article takes a closer look at the conceptual foundations of TMT and considers some of the more beneficial trajectories of the terror management process. The awareness of mortality can motivate people to enhance their physical health and prioritize growth-oriented goals; live up to positive standards and beliefs; build supportive relationships and encourage the development of peaceful, charitable communities; and foster open-minded and growth-oriented behaviors. The article also tentatively explores the potential enriching impact of direct encounters with death. Overall, the present analysis suggests that although death awareness can, at times, generate negative outcomes, it can also function to move people along more positive trajectories and contribute to the good life.
从恐怖管理理论（TMT）中得出的研究表明，人们管理死亡意识的努力往往会对个人和社会产生有害的后果。本文更深入地探讨了 TMT 的概念基础，并考虑了恐怖管理过程中一些更有益的轨迹。对死亡的认识可以激励人们增强身体健康，优先考虑以成长为导向的目标；不辜负积极的标准和信念；建立支持性关系，鼓励建立和平、慈善的社区；并培养开放和以成长为导向的行为。本文还初步探讨了直接面对死亡可能带来的丰富影响。总的来说，目前的分析表明，尽管死亡意识有时会产生负面结果，但它也可以促使人们朝着更积极的方向发展，并为美好生活做出贡献。
