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Terror management and close relationships: Evidence that mortality salience reduces commitment among partners with different worldviews

University of California, Los Angeles

Jeff Schimel

University of Alberta

This study examined the effects of partner similarity versus differences from the perspective of terror management theory. Two hundred and sixty-six undergraduate students currently in a romantic relationship were randomly assigned to either a mortality salience or control condition, and a worldview prime condition in which they were asked to describe the similarities or differences between themselves and their partner. Following this procedure, participants’ commitment to their romantic partner was assessed. The results indicated that mortality salience reduced feelings of commitment to their partner if they were first asked to ponder worldview differences. The role of worldview compatibility under conditions of existential threat in relationships is discussed.

Key Words: death anxiety • interpersonal relationship • relationship commitment • terror-management theory • worldview

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