ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Terror management theory

Terror management theory is a way of thinking about why people feel scared or anxious. It says that people want to feel like they have control over their lives, and that when something unexpected or scary happens, it makes them feel out of control and anxious. This theory suggests that people can cope with their fear and anxiety by finding something that makes them feel safe or important. This could be a belief or a feeling that they have a valuable and meaningful place in the world. When people get this feeling of control, it helps them to manage their fear of the unknown.