Avoidance of Existential-Ontological Confrontation: A Review of Research
Philosophical and classical as well as popular literature have persistently focused on the existential condition of the human individual. Despite this continued attention, research on the content dimensions identified with existentialism and ontology has lagged. A number of studies were undertaken to document the effects of an ontological orientation to the world. Essential is an awareness of reality and the harsh inevitabilities of life, such as death, rejection, loneliness, et cetera. Drawing on the work of Nietzsche, several constructs were delineated for special study to assist the psychometric documentation of choice of an avoiding versus a confronting strategy to the human condition. Several scales were developed using current techniques. Included are scales designed to assess general avoidance, death, loneliness, and three varieties of the experience of rejection—of self, by. others, and of others. Several studies indicate respectable reliability and supporting validity for the scales. The scales are relatively free of stylistic response variances of social desirability, acquiescence, and satiation. Differences among high, medium, and low scorers on death, loneliness, and rejection appear independent of stress levels specific to these content dimensions. Results suggest advantages and disadvantages to strategies of awareness.