Examining the Relationship between Death Attitudes and Life Aspirations in Nepalese Youth

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between death attitude and life aspirations among youths in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Quantitative in nature, with a correlational design, a sample of 391 participants has been selected using simple random sampling. The collection of data was done using the DAP-R, which assesses five dimensions of death attitude, namely, fear of death, death avoidance, neutral acceptance, approach acceptance, and escape acceptance. The Aspiration Index was administered to assess both intrinsic and extrinsic life aspirations. Data analysis was performed using correlation and regression to test the associations and predictive effects of death attitudes on life aspirations. The results show that various dimensions of death attitude are significantly related to particular types of aspirations. Fear of death showed a moderate positive correlation with extrinsic aspirations, r = 0.270, indicating that the higher the death anxiety, the greater the motivation toward external achievements like wealth and social recognition. On the other hand, neutral acceptance and death avoidance showed a strong positive correlation with intrinsic aspirations, r = 0.533 and r = 0.265, respectively, reflecting a focus on personal growth, meaningful relationships, and self-fulfillment. Regression analyses showed both positive and negative death attitudes, and the total death attitude score significantly predicts overall life aspiration. Of these, total death attitude had the strongest effect, β = 0.328, p < 0.001. These findings point to a nuanced role of death attitudes in shaping the life goals of the young by underlining that mortality perceptions can stimulate both extrinsic and intrinsic aspirations in young people, depending on their nature. The study emphasizes that awareness of death attitudes should be integrated into youth development programs to facilitate purposeful and balanced life planning.