Exploring Existential Reflections Inspired by Eudaimonic Media Experiences: A Qualitative Analysis of Common Themes and Insights from Media Portrayals of Death and Dying

Research suggests that the theme of death plays a role in eudaimonic media experiences, but it is unknown how prominent this role is and what specific reflections are related to death themes. This research therefore set out to better understand the relationship between eudaimonic media experiences and death themes by 1) examining how prevalent death themes are in a broad array of (eudaimonic) media experiences in naturalistic settings and 2) providing more precision to the insights that media users take away from movies about death. Study 1 (N = 164) reports a secondary analysis of death-related themes in self-selected eudaimonic media experiences. Study 2 (N = 21) reports in-depth interviews about experiences with memorable movies about death. Findings of Study 1 showed that the topics of death and dying were spontaneously mentioned in 147 of 164 interviews. Furthermore, media-induced death reflections yielded comparable existential themes in both studies, that is, increased death awareness, more nuanced perspectives on death, and greater appreciation of life. Findings show that death themes play a prominent role in the lasting impressions viewers take away from eudaimonic media experiences. These experiences help viewers recognize the omnipresence and multifaceted nature of death and the value of life.