Defending our place in nature: mortality salience and environmental concern

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Drawing from terror management theory, two studies explored the implications that our existential need to view humans as distinct from the rest of nature can have on responses to environmental issues. In Study 1, individuals reported less endorsement of ecological values when dealing with mortality concerns. Study 2 extended these findings and demonstrated that the extent to which individuals can derive self-esteem from behaving pro-environmentally moderates this effect. Conceptual and practical implications are discussed.