What does Terror Management Theory propose regarding self-esteem?

Terror Management Theory posits that self-esteem plays a critical role in protecting individuals from existential anxiety related to the awareness of mortality. According to the theory, when confronted with thoughts of death, people experience anxiety, and self-esteem acts as a buffer against this anxiety by providing a sense of significance and meaning in life. High self-esteem can help individuals feel more secure and less threatened by the inevitability of death, thereby promoting psychological well-being. This explains why self-esteem is viewed as a vital defense mechanism in the face of our mortality, effectively mitigating fears and allowing individuals to engage more positively with life.