He Dies, He Scores: Evidence that Reminders of Death Motivate Improved Performance in Basketball

Colin A. Zestcott, Uri Lifshin, Peter Helm, Jeff Greenberg

A mortality salience induction led to improved performance in a “one-on-one” basketball game.

Additionally, subtle death prime led to higher scores on a basketball shooting task, which was associated with increased task related self-esteem.

Case Report
1 effect

Reported Outcomes

DeterminantsOutcomeDetails

Reminder of Death Selfcare risk & protective factor
Minor Protective Factor Reminder of Death
Selfcare

Exercise Performance Musculoskeletal outcome
Minor increase risk of Exercise Performance
Musculoskeletal system

Low evidence
40.0%