Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) Practice Exam

What effect does terror management theory suggest fear of death has on behavior?

1. It leads to rebellion against health messages

2. It promotes compliance with health messages

3. It has no significant impact on behavior

4. It encourages avoidance of certain topics

The correct answer is: It promotes compliance with health messages

Terror Management Theory (TMT) posits that the awareness of mortality can significantly influence human behavior. One of the key tenets of this theory is that when individuals are confronted with reminders of their own mortality, they often respond by seeking to reinforce their self-esteem and cultural beliefs, which can lead to behaviors in line with the values of their society, including adherence to health messages. When people are fearful of death, they are more likely to comply with health recommendations because these messages offer a way to manage that fear. Compliance with health messages can be seen as a means of maintaining one's physical well-being and thereby offering a degree of control over the inevitable reality of mortality. This becomes especially relevant in contexts such as public health campaigns, where messages may aim to promote healthy behaviors to counteract the fear associated with disease and death. In this context, the compliance with health messages serves as a coping mechanism, allowing individuals to navigate their anxiety regarding death while promoting behaviors aimed at prolonging life.