The Effects of Age Differences in Mortality on Emotional Responses

Running head: MORTALITY OF DIFFERENT AGES ON EMOTIONAL RESPONSES

The Effects of Age Differences in Mortality on Emotional Responses

Cristi Esposito

Hunter College

Abstract

The death of an individual not only affects immediate family members but external families and friends. This study examined the differences in the levels of emotional responses of society based on the age of the deceased. A sample of 16 participants between the ages of 21-60 with diverse ethnicities and sexual orientations participated in this study. The participants were given one of two scenarios involving the death of an adult and the death of a child and answered a brief survey. Results indicated that there was no significant difference in the levels of emotional responses. Unlike previous studies, this study aims to indicate that society expresses more emotional responses toward deceased children than deceased adults.

The Effects of Age Differences of Mortality on Emotional Responses

Many people fear the thought that someday death awaits them; the thought alone can cause emotional disturbances (i.e., depression, anxiety) for the person who dwells on the idea (Kaslow, 2004). The realization of mortality is underestimated by many Americans (Kaslow, 2004), but what is death and why are people fearful of it? Death is the end of one’s life; however, the way an individual dies is usually accountable for the emotional responses of people (Imber-Black, 2008).

When comparing a violent death to natural phenomenon, people tend to be more hurtful because of the occurrence (Ha, 2008). A natural death is one in which people die from old age, from an age related illness, or a sudden health attack (i.e., heart failure) (Ha, 2008). A violent death unlike a natural death is unexpected and can happen in many ways and it is mainly caused by human intent or negligence (Armour, 2006). One in three Americans loses a loved one to a death which occurred in a violent manner (Armour, 2006;...