Abstract

This study examined the effects that paranormal beliefs and atheist identity have on death acceptance and death anxiety. Atheists are underrepresented in psychology research, with very little interest shown into their unique perspectives on the end of life and beyond. In past studies group identity has been proven to be an important tool for meaning making, and navigating anxiety that comes with reminders of death. This research can provide insight into unique death perspectives from atheists who may not believe in a god, as well as explore group identity as a means of alleviating death anxiety. 179 atheists between the ages of 18 and 45 completed a survey containing items from the Revised Paranormal Beliefs Scale, Death Attitude Profile Revised, and the Three-Dimensional Strength of Group Identification Scale. Linear regression analysis showed that higher levels of ingroup affect identification significantly predicted higher levels of death anxiety, while higher levels of centrality group identification significantly predicted lower levels of death anxiety. Additionally, higher levels of spiritualism significantly predicted higher levels of death acceptance, while belief in extraordinary life forms and traditional religious belief significantly predicted lower levels of death acceptance. These results were controlled by age, education, gender, race, type of atheism, and childhood religious affiliation. To date this is one of the first studies examining paranormal beliefs and group identity in relation to death acceptance and death anxiety in a solely atheist population. Future studies should continue exploring death perspectives in an atheist population to understand how the nonreligious are able to cope with and accept mortality.

Advisor

Hope, Meredith

Department

Psychology

Disciplines

Other Psychology

Keywords

Keywords: Atheist, Death Anxiety, Death Acceptance, Paranormal, Identity

Publication Date

2024

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2024 Adriana E. Gordon