Abstract：Terror management theory (TMT), which has been in development for more than 30 years, holds that people develop defense mechanisms in order to reduce the fear of death. The theory comes mainly from the anxiety-buffer hypothesis and the mortality salience hypothesis, which assume that awareness of the eventuality of death can cause anxiety. People create and maintain a cultural worldview which assuages this apprehension by affirming that an individual is a valuable member of a meaningful world. This further reinforces self-esteem, thus symbolically surmounting the fear of death. The purpose of this article is to explore the relationship and influence of mortality salience and the behavioral intention of engaging in adventure sports from the perspective of TMT through literature discussion, and to examine the applicability of TMT. Our results show that people gain a sense of security through things that are commonly recognized as valuable and meaningful in their social culture. People can also demonstrate their self-worth by engaging in adventure sports. In mortality salience situations, the fear of death can influence one's behavior intent. It can also be reduced by raising self-esteem. However, the validity of TMT has been questioned in light of cultural differences, concerns about its applicability, and the essential credibility of its scientific research. This paper provides references and suggestions for the dialectical analysis, practical application and explanatory power of mortality salience under the TMT in the context of adventure sports. It also analyzes the psychological mechanism through which mortality salience influences behavioral intentions for participating in adventure sports, and discusses future related study. (Full text)