Symbolic Permanence Theory: The Becker-Dominik Line

This paper proposes Symbolic Permanence Theory, a conteporary extension of Ernest Becker's work on symbolic survival. The Becker-Dominik Line argues that human beings do not only resist literal death but also require continuity inside the minds of others. When symbolic future becoems foreclosed, hte self enters a three-apth fork: Hero (constructive contribution), Unhero (destructive spectacle when future possibility appears sealed), or ReHero (restorative return after humilation). This framework integrates affective neuroscience to show that the threat system does not distinguish symbolicannihilation from physical annihilation, providing a mechanism for catastrophic identity behavior in modern digital culture. The model is applied to adolescent identity formation and early detection of collapse trajectories, with focus on restoring future possibility  before terminal foreclosure. This work is intended s a foundation for prevention research, trauma-informed education, identity rehabilitation protocols, and new approaches to public health around meaning failure.