Does leaving a legacy help us cope with mortality? Israeli study examines mental health link

A Hebrew University of Jerusalem study of 3,000 Israeli Jews found that people who believed they would be remembered after death reported better mental health, lower substance use, and fewer addictive behaviors. The research, published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, examined symbolic immortality and its link to coping with mortality.

A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) involving 3,000 Israeli Jews found that people who believed they would be remembered after death tended to report better mental health, a stronger sense of meaning, and lower levels of problematic substance use and addictive behaviors. The research, led by Dr. Uri Lifshin, Prof. Mario Mikulincer, and Dr. Dvora Shmulewitz from the Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health (ICAMH) and HUJI's psychology department, was published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. It examined the concept of symbolic immortality—the sense that part of oneself continues through relationships, accomplishments, or legacy. Participants who more strongly believed they would be remembered reported greater self-esteem, social support, and meaning in life, along with fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep problems, and emotional regulation difficulties. The pattern held for addictive behaviors including problematic alcohol, cannabis, and prescription drug use, as well as gambling, gaming, pornography, and social media use. The study was conducted in February 2025 during Operation Swords of Iron. Lifshin noted that strengthening people's sense of purpose and social contribution might become part of addiction prevention or treatment, but controlled studies are needed.