Citation

Zhou X, Liu J, Chen C, Yu Z. Scand. J. Psychol. 2008; 49(5): 413-418.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Scandinavian Psychological Associations, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1467-9450.2008.00665.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The concept of offspring provides a symbolic shield against the fear of death. The existential function of offspring was examined in two studies conducted in China employing real‐life dependent measures. In Study 1, reminders of death through a word‐completion task increased the disapproval of a birth‐control policy in China. In Study 2, hospitalized patients generally preferred young family members more than other family members. Cancer patients showed this preference to a greater extent than non‐cancer patients. Taken together, the findings showed that the death‐anxiety‐buffering function of offspring affects people's judgments and desires in real‐life settings.