Understanding the Impact of Mortality-Related Health-Risk Information: A Terror Management Theory Perspective

@article{Jessop2008UnderstandingTI,
  title={Understanding the Impact of Mortality-Related Health-Risk Information: A Terror Management Theory Perspective},
  author={Donna C. Jessop and Ian P. Albery and Jean Rutter and Heather Garrod},
  journal={Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin},
  year={2008},
  volume={34},
  pages={951 - 964}
}
Four studies explored the effects of providing mortality-related health-risk information from a terror management theory perspective. Study 1 (N = 48) revealed that exposure to information about the mortality-related risks of driving made mortality salient for young male drivers. Studies 2 (N = 60) and 3 (N = 139) demonstrated that young male drivers who perceived driving (fast) to be beneficial for self-esteem reported higher intentions to take driving risks (Study 2) and drive fast (Study 3… 
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References

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Research findings suggest that mortality-related health promotion campaigns might inadvertently make mortality salient, and hence precipitate the very behaviours which they aim to deter among some recipients.
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