Abstract
With the widespread use of the Internet and social media, youth groups are suffering deaths with increasing frequency. Studies have shown that self-esteem and a sense of security can reduce death anxiety, but a detailed explanation of the relationship is still lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the interrelationship and potential pathways of death anxiety, self-esteem, and security in young people. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shenzhen and Shaoguan, Guangdong Province, China, to collect general data, death anxiety scores, self-esteem scores, and security scores. A total of 623 valid questionnaires were collected from November to May 20232024. The results showed that both self-esteem and a sense of security could significantly predict death anxiety in reverse. Moreover, the sense of security engagement mediated the relationship between self-esteem and death anxiety. Although there is a high level of death anxiety in young people, measures to enhance self-esteem and a sense of security can help alleviate anxiety and promote physical and mental health.