Wenchuan Earthquake Enhanced Collectivistic Expression in People's Daily

This study explores how collectivist expressions changed before and after the Wenchuan earthquake, using Terror Management Theory (TMT) as the main framework. It examines how the aftermath of the earthquake shifted language in the People's Daily from individualistic to collectivist. We reviewed articles from before and after the earthquake using time series analysis and thematic word frequency analysis. The shift in language is linked to the existential fear triggered by the earthquake, with cultural values acting as psychological defenses against fears of death and instability. The findings show a clear trend towards collectivism during the disaster period, suggesting a societal coping mechanism consistent with TMT.