Do Work-Related Factors Moderate the Association Between Subjective Nearness-to-Death and Psychological Distress?

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased existential concerns, as well as with significant changes in the work force. The current study examined the availability of meaning in work and belonging to a work group as personal resources which may mitigate psychological distress associated with feeling close to death. Data were collected from 450 working Israelis, and results indicated that the connection between feeling close to death and distress was not significant for individuals reporting high levels of belonging and meaning. Implications are discussed from the perspective of Terror Management Theory.

Keywords

belonging COVID-19 meaning in work subjective nearness-to-death terror management theory

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