Some Indices of Health and Social Behavior Associated with the Avoidance of the Ontological Confrontation

Abstract

As part of a series of studies designed to document some of the implications associated with an avoidance versus confrontation approach to the harsh realities of existence, this article reports the results of analyses pertaining to the general avoidance of existential-ontological1 confrontation as well as the specific avoidance of the ontological confrontation of death in relation to several social behavior and health related variables. High scorers on the Avoidance of the Ontological Confrontation of Death Scale (avoiders) were found to report increased use of tranquilizers, and less consumption of alcoholic beverages than the medium scorer group. In addition, low scorers on the Avoidance of Existential Confrontation Scale (confronters) reported increased use of stimulants as compared to the medium scorer groups, while the medium group reported more absenteeism from work-employment than low scorers. These results suggest there are both advantages and disadvantages associated with different awareness strategies.