Present-orientation and the outcome of contemplating death

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the outcome of contemplating death during young adulthood, a change in time attitude, is influenced by present-orientation via the views of death. A total of 199 undergraduates responded to a questionnaire assessing time attitude and present-orientation before and after the assignment to contemplate death. The results of structural equation modeling revealed that present-orientation has a direct effect on the outcome, but the view of death does not have a mediated effect. The results of ANOVA also supported the direct effect of present-orientation. The analysis of the individual description showed that present-orientation has relevance with how to think life after contemplating death. The relationships between contemplating death and young adults’ ego identity which is closely related to time perspective were discussed.