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Ambivalence Toward the Body: Death, Neuroticism, and the Flight From Physical Sensation

University of South Florida

Joshua Hart

University of California, Davis

Tom Pyszczynski

Gwendolyn M. Warnica

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Mark Landau

University of Arizona

Lisa Thomas

Boise State University

Based on terror management theory, the authors suggest that ambivalent reactions to the human body are partially rooted in the association of the physical body with inescapable death and that individuals high in neuroticism are particularly vulnerable to such difficulties. Three experiments demonstrated that priming thoughts about one’s death leads individuals high in neuroticism to flee from physical sensations, including pleasurable ones. In response to mortality salience, highly neurotic individuals spent less time submerging their arm in ice-cold water and using an electric foot massager but did not avoid stimulation in nontactile modalities (i.e., listening to music). The discussion highlights the role of existentially motivated self-repression in inhibitions surrounding the body.

Key Words: mortality salience • neuroticism • physical sensation • inhibition

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				G. Hirschberger, T. Ein-Dor, and S. Almakias The Self-Protective Altruist: Terror Management and the Ambivalent Nature of Prosocial Behavior Pers Soc Psychol Bull, May 1, 2008; 34(5): 666 - 678. [Abstract] [PDF]