Death anxiety and level of self-esteem in the elderly.

Abstract

To date, a considerable amount of Literature exists which speculates as to the death attitudes of older adults. A review of this research reveals much conflicting evidence and few consistent conclusions. In an effort to reconcile inconsistencies in the literature, the present study sought to explore death anxiety In the elderly in two residential settings: apartment complexes for the aged and nursing homes. Attitudes toward death were measured using Templer1s Death Anxiety Scale. A further purpose of the current study was to reexamine the relationship between death anxiety and level of self-esteem In older adults. The Texas Social Behavior Inventory-Form A was employed as an objective measurement of level of self-esteem. The results of the study yielded a negative relationship between death anxiety and level of self-esteem which was discussed in terms of Frank 11 s 'l wlll to mean Ing" theory. Between-groups comparisons revealed less death anxiety and higher levels of self-esteem for those individuals living in nursing homes. Several possible explanations for this finding were explored, including residents' dependency, cerebral deficits, socialization as preparation for death, denial, and Frankl's theory. The possible effects of sampling difficulties were also examined.