Goldenberg, J. L., & Arndt, J. (2008). The implications of death for health: A terror management health model for behavioral health promotion. Psychological Review, 115(4), 1032-1053. http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/10.1037/a0013326

Arizona State University

Explains how the awareness of death impacts motivational forces on health behaviors and decisions. Three propositions are discussed:
•	Conscious death thoughts initiate healthy behaviors, which detract the focus 
        away from mortality  
•	Unconscious death cognition orients towards preservation through self-esteem 
        and meaning, not health
•	Confrontations with the physical body may undermine symbolic defenses created 
        by the unconscious death thoughts


Terror Management Health Model

The implications of death for health: A terror management health model for behavioral health promotion (Goldenberg & Arndt, 2008)

Pandemics spread not only physically but also psychologically. Courtney et al. posit that using terror management theory to structure responses to reduce individual threats and appealing to collective mindsets may more effectively combat Covid-19. Citing the Terror Management Health Model, healthy actions are only taken while consciously thinking about the threat and only to avoid focal attention. These behaviors also must be easy to adapt, have immediate results, and be effective. While the death threat is in unconscious thought, behaviors will be driven by meaning and value within one's culture. Therefore, it is recommended that public health communication begins with a death reminder to initiate conscious thought and ends with a proven, easy behavior that protects the individual, such as handwashing. However, the authors note the threat's tendency to become subconscious, resulting in other motivations that must also be addressed for continued compliance. 

Learn Before

Related