Summary of Ann Johnson's Master's Thesis,
Augsburg College, 2000. Advisor, Norm Ferguson.

This thesis attempted to bring deeper insight into the nature of one of human's greatest fears. The research confirmed that, as an individual's personal power is increased, the fear of death is reduced, and there are fewer negative connotations with death. In particular, if the individual had experienced a profound symbolic encounter with death, then the awareness of death is seen in new ways, leading to a greater acceptance and a more satisfying and harmonious adjustment to the entire life process.

To those who are transitioning their power base from external to internal, their experience with leadership becomes more focused on relationships. They perceive their greatest influence is to be of service--helping others through more compassionate attitudes and behavior as well as facilitating change by stepping away from traditionally perceived, externally-based leadership characteristics.

This research began with a realization that the fear of death is largely misunderstood, and yet it has a central place in understanding self and society. This thesis concludes that death is a significant way--if not the main way--in which people establish meaning in their lives. Without a deep and profound acceptance of the impermanence of everything, facing death and dying is both difficult and terrifying.

The research concludes that deep social change or transformation requires leaders who think and behave in new ways environment by internally abandoning a fixed identity as well as risking uncertainty by facing their fears. Ultimately individuals who are interested in increasing their personal power must begin the difficult work of becoming more conscious of their subliminal attitudes and behaviors surrounding death. They must examine their complex defense systems that usually buffer their psyches.

As this research discovered, death is a complex symbol with many meanings. For most individuals, death is perceived as separate from life. Therefore, these individuals can spend a lifetime pursuing various activities and goals, pursuing money, status or fame, and frequently feel a sense of meaninglessness and experience an inability to truly enjoy their life, moment to moment, while they are living it.

A good beginning toward anchoring an acceptance of death could start with transforming the fear of loss in other areas of life. For more information email Ann Johnson at blumtnsun@aol.com