Theory of Deadly Initials
Encyclopedia
The Theory of Deadly Initials was an hypothesis published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research
in 1999, which proposed that there is a link between the lifespan of human males and their initials. The research, carried out by psychologist
s Nicholas Christenfeld
, David Phillips and Laura Glynn, and published in the paper "What's in a Name: Mortality and the Power of Symbols", suggested that men with "negative" sets of initials (e.g. DIE or PIG) have, on average, a shorter lifespan than those with "positive" initials (e.g. ACE, VIP).
The average increase in life expectancy for a set of positive initials was claimed to be 4.48 years, while the average decrease in life expectancy for negative initials was claimed as 2.8 years. This is attributed to stress from teasing and lower self-worth in individuals with "deadly" initials.
In 2005, the hypothesis was investigated by Gary Smith, an economics professor at Pomona College
in Claremont
, California
, and Stilian Morrison, a student there. They were unable to find any pattern in the samples they studied.
The original research was conducted by comparing the age of people who died within a given year, while the second investigation compared the lifespans of people who were born in a given year.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
The Journal of Psychosomatic Research is the official medical journal of the European Association for Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatics and is affiliated with the International College of Psychosomatic Medicine....
in 1999, which proposed that there is a link between the lifespan of human males and their initials. The research, carried out by psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologist is a professional or academic title used by individuals who are either:* Clinical professionals who work with patients in a variety of therapeutic contexts .* Scientists conducting psychological research or teaching psychology in a college...
s Nicholas Christenfeld
Nicholas Christenfeld
Nicholas Christenfeld is a professor of Psychology at the University of California, San Diego. He first joined the department in 1991 and has been a full professor since 2003....
, David Phillips and Laura Glynn, and published in the paper "What's in a Name: Mortality and the Power of Symbols", suggested that men with "negative" sets of initials (e.g. DIE or PIG) have, on average, a shorter lifespan than those with "positive" initials (e.g. ACE, VIP).
The average increase in life expectancy for a set of positive initials was claimed to be 4.48 years, while the average decrease in life expectancy for negative initials was claimed as 2.8 years. This is attributed to stress from teasing and lower self-worth in individuals with "deadly" initials.
In 2005, the hypothesis was investigated by Gary Smith, an economics professor at Pomona College
Pomona College
Pomona College is a private, residential, liberal arts college in Claremont, California. Founded in 1887 in Pomona, California by a group of Congregationalists, the college moved to Claremont in 1889 to the site of a hotel, retaining its name. The school enrolls 1,548 students.The founding member...
in Claremont
Claremont, California
Claremont is a small affluent college town in eastern Los Angeles County, California, United States, about east of downtown Los Angeles at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. The population as of the 2010 census is 34,926. Claremont is known for its seven higher-education institutions, its...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, and Stilian Morrison, a student there. They were unable to find any pattern in the samples they studied.
The original research was conducted by comparing the age of people who died within a given year, while the second investigation compared the lifespans of people who were born in a given year.
External links
- Guardian article in which the theory is refuted: "The Christenfeld study compared the ages of all the people who died in a particular year. But, say Smith and Morrison, if - instead - you look at the lifespans of all the people who were born in a particular year, the pattern doesn't show up. Also, they say, if you use a more complete list of "good" and "bad" words, the effect doesn't appear."