Citation

Bessarabova E, Massey ZB. Risk Anal. 2023; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Society for Risk Analysis, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/risa.14107

PMID

36802065

Abstract

Using a 2 (mortality: salient, control) × 2 (freedom-limiting language: freedom-limiting, autonomy-supportive) independent-group design, this study examined the relationship between mortality salience and psychological reactance in the context of texting-and-driving prevention messages. The terror management health model and the theory of psychological reactance guided study predictions.

RESULTS showed mortality salience produced adaptive effects on attitudes toward texting-and-driving prevention and behavioral intentions to reduce unsafe driving practices. Additionally, some evidence for the effectiveness of directive, albeit freedom-limiting communication, emerged. These and other results are discussed along with the implications, limitations, and future research directions.

Language: en

Keywords

death; directives; distracted driving; freedom threat; freedom-limiting language; mortality salience; reactance; terror management health model; texting and driving