Testing terror management health model and integrating its predictions with the theory of psychological reactance

Two experiments (Nstudy1 = 203; Nstudy2 = 177), using STD prevention messages and a 2 (mortality: salient, control) × 2 (freedom threat: high, low) design, tested the Terror Management Health Model and integrated its predictions with the Theory of Psychological Reactance to examine how reactance and mortality salience interact to affect risk communication. In Study 1, mortality salience mitigated freedom-threat perceptions but only at low threat to freedom and, consistent with distal defenses, reduced intentions to use condoms and abstain from sex. Study 2 examined the effects of mortality salience on proximal defenses. As predicted, mortality salience mitigated high levels of freedom threat, but, contrary to TMHM, it also reduced condom use intentions. These and other results are discussed.