Latent profiles of death anxiety among young adults: associations with self-esteem, security, and perceived social support

Abstract

Introduction: Death anxiety is a critical mental-health concern among young adults; however, its heterogeneity and underlying psychological mechanisms remain understudied. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of death anxiety in Chinese youth and examine the predictive roles of self-esteem, perceived social support, and security. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 623 young adults (mean age = 23.62 years, SD = 3.61) aged 18–35 years in mainland China. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to classify death anxiety subgroups based on responses to the Templer Death Anxiety Scale (C-T-DAS). Self-esteem, perceived social support, and sense of security were assessed using validated scales. Multinomial logistic regression and ANOVA were used to explore predictors and group differences. Results: Three latent death anxiety profiles emerged, High Death Anxiety (56.2%), Moderate Cognition and Low Death Anxiety (8.8%), and Low Cognition and Moderate Death Anxiety (35%). Higher self-esteem (β = -0.46, p