Definition: The theory suggests that human mortality causes existential dread and terror, and that much of human behavior exists as a buffer against this dread (e.g. self-esteem and worldviews). Furthermore, the solution to this dread is culture, i.e. symbolic systems that act to provide life with meaning and value.
Greenberg, J., & Arndt, J. (2011). Terror management theory. Handbook of theories of social psychology, 1, 398-415.
Application: Community organizers can use cultural values that manage the terror of death to help engage and sustain development. Simple examples include belief in afterlife and religion. Other cultural values also offer symbolic immortality such as value of nationality. These are universal attractions that will help unite an organization.
Adaptation: TMT can also be used in marketing. When the thought of human mortality is made salient, the management is made stronger. Therefore, marketing agencies can use this thoery to increase the sales of national pride (flags, memorabilia). For example, after a terror attack, people usually join together to value their nationality to prove that one is part of something that will outlive the individual.
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