Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2006 10:12:44 -0500

From: "teufel@siu.edu" <teufel@SIU.EDU>

Subject: Horrendous Death and Terror Management Theory

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One theory that helps to explain horrendous death is terror management theory. It helps to explain how threats to one's physical or existential life increase one's dedication to one's world-view.

James

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#721

Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2006 13:56:39 -0400

From: Daniel Leviton <dleviton@UMD.EDU>

Subject: Re: Horrendous Death and Terror Management Theory

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Thanks for the fine recommendation. Terror Management Theory (TMT)(developed from Ernest Becker's seminal work) and the HD Concept (HD) have in common that behavior is strongly influenced (to say the least) by our fear of death. TMT hypothesizes that when people are reminded of their mortality (removal of the denial of death) they act in predictable ways. HD hypothesizes that in order to prevent HD, the denial of personal vulnerability to dying of self and loved ones by means of the forms of HD must be removed. When followed by anticipatory grieving of, say, the beloved child dying (a graphic example, my child dying of napalm or beheading), the odds of personal preventive action increases.

James, do you are other HEDIRers know of TMT research that has addressed the notion of TMT as a stimulus to preventive action re people-caused forms of death? It seems to me that removal of the denial of HD can increase the odds of preventive action (it has mine -- that's for sure!).

By the way one reason I keep pushing the theme of HD to HEDIR is that healtheducation/promotion has tremendous potential to impact on the lives of the global population on this crucial and profound issue. Three reasons are that (1) living long and well are among the top priorities of people, and

(2) our emphasis on prevention as well as intervention, and postvention, and

(3) an increasing understanding of the precautionary principle (see Gardner, G. (2006). "First, do no harm". World Watch, 19(1), 30-31.

Goldstein, B. D. (2001). The Precautionary Principle Also Applies to Public Health Actions. Am J Public Health, 91(9), 1358-1361.

Rosner, D., & Markowitz, G. (2002). Industry Challenges to the Principle of Prevention in Public Health: The Precautionary Principle in Historical Perspective. Public Health Rep, 117(6), 501-512.

Thanks again, Mark Fulop, for bringing up the topic again.

Dan

Professor Daniel Leviton, ret.

2007 Pelden Road

Adelphi, MD 20783

Phone and fax: 301-445-1546

----- Original Message -----

From: "teufel@siu.edu" <teufel@SIU.EDU>

To: <HEDIR-L@listserv.siu.edu>

Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 11:12 AM

Subject: Horrendous Death and Terror Management Theory

> ** Join AAHE

> **

>

> One theory that helps to explain horrendous death is terror management

> theory. It

> helps to explain how threats to one's physical or existential life

> increase one's

> dedication to one's world-view.

> James

>

> **

> ** Support the HEDIR With Your Gift

> **

> ** The HEDIR is Supported by Paid Advertising

> **

> **

>

**

** Support the HEDIR With Your Gift

**

** The HEDIR is Supported by Paid Advertising

**

**

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