Mortality Salience Effects of Critical Incidents – A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda

A systematic literature review was conducted. A total of 1355 articles were identified. After duplicates were removed 871 remained, leaving 139 articles for eligibility screening. 65 articles were further excluded based on reasons cited in Figure 1 of article. At the end of this process, 74 articles remained and were included into the final review.

Overall, 74 articles with 113 studies were included. Through this review, strong support for MS effects of CI has been found. Consistent with TMT, CIs tend to trigger worldview defence, self-esteem enhancement and relationship seeking. CIs have also been found to impact negatively on individual well-being and organisational health. Recommendations specific to crisis interventions and well-being will be discussed.