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

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 <.001), social support (β = -1.12, P = .004), and security (β = -2.87, P <.001) significantly predicted lower death anxiety. The high death anxiety group exhibited the lowest psychological resource scores. Older age (30-35 years) and recent acute illness recovery were associated with higher death anxiety risk (OR = 0.28, 95% CI [0.09, 0.93]). Security showed the strongest inverse association with DA (F = 50.72, P <.001), particularly in the interpersonal and controllability dimensions.

Conclusion: Death anxiety among young adults is heterogeneous, influenced by distinct psychological profiles and demographic factors. Interventions should prioritize enhancing self-esteem, social support networks, and security to mitigate death anxiety, especially in high-risk subgroups. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and cross-cultural samples to validate causal pathways and refine targeted strategies.