Attitude toward death, not religious commitment mediates the relationship between political ideology and attitudes toward life extension

Abstract

Previous research has linked political ideology – right-wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation – with more positive attitudes toward life extension. The purpose of this study was to investigate death attitudes and religious commitment as mediators of the relationship between political ideology and attitudes toward life extension. College students (N = 406) completed an online survey. One death attitude – neutral acceptance – and not religious commitment mediated the relationship between political ideology and attitudes toward life extension. Individuals with more intolerant political ideology may see death as aberrant and thus be more likely to embrace life extension technology.