Prosocial Behaviors Following Mortality Salience: The Role of Global-Local Identity

This research examines how reminders of mortality influence prosocial behavior through the lens of terror management theory. We propose that these effects depend on individuals' global-local identity-the degree to which they identify with the broader world versus a local community. In two experimental studies, participants were exposed to mortality salience manipulations and then reported their intentions to engage in prosocial behaviors. The results consistently showed that mortality salience increased prosocial intentions for individuals with a global identity but not for those with a local identity. This interaction was explained by differences in perceived social connectedness. Together, these findings highlight the role of global-local identity in shaping prosocial responses to mortality reminders, offering theoretical insights into terror management processes and practical implications for fostering prosociality in diverse social contexts.