Applying terror management theory to patients with life-threatening illness: a systematic review
Abstract Background Terror management theory (TMT) posits that people manage death-related anxiety through the meaning provided by their cultural world-views and the sense of personal value provided by self-esteem. While a large body of research has supported the core propositions of TMT, little res...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2023-06-01
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| Series: | BMC Palliative Care |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-023-01193-6 |
| _version_ | 1827922710501523456 |
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| author | Mark Svet Laura B. Portalupi Tom Pyszczynski Daniel D. Matlock Larry A. Allen |
| author_facet | Mark Svet Laura B. Portalupi Tom Pyszczynski Daniel D. Matlock Larry A. Allen |
| author_sort | Mark Svet |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Terror management theory (TMT) posits that people manage death-related anxiety through the meaning provided by their cultural world-views and the sense of personal value provided by self-esteem. While a large body of research has supported the core propositions of TMT, little research has focused on its application to individuals with terminal illness. If TMT can help healthcare providers better understand how belief systems adapt and change in life-threatening illness, and the role they play in managing death-related anxiety, it may provide guidance on how to improve communication around treatments near the end of life. As such, we set out to review the available research articles that focus on describing the relationship between TMT and life-threatening illness. Methods We reviewed PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and EMBASE through May 2022 for original research articles focused on TMT and life-threatening illness. Articles were only deemed appropriate for inclusion if direct incorporation of the principles of TMT were made in reference to a population of interest whom had life-threatening illness Results were screened by title and abstract, followed by full review of candidate articles. References were also scanned. Articles were assessed qualitatively. Results Six relevant and original research articles were published which provide varied levels of support for TMT’s application in critical illness, each article detailed evidence of ideological changes consistent with what TMT would predict. Building self-esteem, enhancing the experience of life as meaningful, incorporating spirituality, engaging family members, and caring for patients at home where meaning and self-esteem can be better maintained are strategies supported by the studies and serve as starting points for further research. Conclusion These articles suggest that applying TMT to life-threatening illness can help identify psychological changes that may effectively minimize the distress from dying. Limitations of this study include a heterogenous group of relevant studies and qualitative assessment. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-13T04:46:37Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-903f8e522e24463385d2a197e3e1ca05 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1472-684X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-13T04:46:37Z |
| publishDate | 2023-06-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Palliative Care |
| spelling | doaj.art-903f8e522e24463385d2a197e3e1ca052023-06-18T11:28:07ZengBMCBMC Palliative Care1472-684X2023-06-012211510.1186/s12904-023-01193-6Applying terror management theory to patients with life-threatening illness: a systematic reviewMark Svet0Laura B. Portalupi1Tom Pyszczynski2Daniel D. Matlock3Larry A. Allen4School of Medicine, University of ColoradoSchool of Medicine, University of ColoradoUniversity of ColoradoSchool of Medicine, University of ColoradoSchool of Medicine, University of ColoradoAbstract Background Terror management theory (TMT) posits that people manage death-related anxiety through the meaning provided by their cultural world-views and the sense of personal value provided by self-esteem. While a large body of research has supported the core propositions of TMT, little research has focused on its application to individuals with terminal illness. If TMT can help healthcare providers better understand how belief systems adapt and change in life-threatening illness, and the role they play in managing death-related anxiety, it may provide guidance on how to improve communication around treatments near the end of life. As such, we set out to review the available research articles that focus on describing the relationship between TMT and life-threatening illness. Methods We reviewed PubMed, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and EMBASE through May 2022 for original research articles focused on TMT and life-threatening illness. Articles were only deemed appropriate for inclusion if direct incorporation of the principles of TMT were made in reference to a population of interest whom had life-threatening illness Results were screened by title and abstract, followed by full review of candidate articles. References were also scanned. Articles were assessed qualitatively. Results Six relevant and original research articles were published which provide varied levels of support for TMT’s application in critical illness, each article detailed evidence of ideological changes consistent with what TMT would predict. Building self-esteem, enhancing the experience of life as meaningful, incorporating spirituality, engaging family members, and caring for patients at home where meaning and self-esteem can be better maintained are strategies supported by the studies and serve as starting points for further research. Conclusion These articles suggest that applying TMT to life-threatening illness can help identify psychological changes that may effectively minimize the distress from dying. Limitations of this study include a heterogenous group of relevant studies and qualitative assessment.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-023-01193-6Life-threatening illnessTerror management theoryBehavioral medicineEnd-of-life careDeath anxiety |
| spellingShingle | Mark Svet Laura B. Portalupi Tom Pyszczynski Daniel D. Matlock Larry A. Allen Applying terror management theory to patients with life-threatening illness: a systematic review BMC Palliative Care Life-threatening illness Terror management theory Behavioral medicine End-of-life care Death anxiety |
| title | Applying terror management theory to patients with life-threatening illness: a systematic review |
| title_full | Applying terror management theory to patients with life-threatening illness: a systematic review |
| title_fullStr | Applying terror management theory to patients with life-threatening illness: a systematic review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Applying terror management theory to patients with life-threatening illness: a systematic review |
| title_short | Applying terror management theory to patients with life-threatening illness: a systematic review |
| title_sort | applying terror management theory to patients with life threatening illness a systematic review |
| topic | Life-threatening illness Terror management theory Behavioral medicine End-of-life care Death anxiety |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-023-01193-6 |
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