How Does Self-esteem Alleviate Death Anxiety in Youth Populations? The Mediating Role of Security

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.