Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

Which option below places possible public responses to risk from the most frequent reaction to the least frequent reaction?

1. Fear, Denial, Panic, Acceptance

2. Denial, Fear, Panic, Acceptance

3. Acceptance, Fear, Denial, Panic

4. Panic, Denial, Fear, Acceptance

The correct answer is: Acceptance, Fear, Denial, Panic

The correct answer places possible public responses to risk in an order that reflects the psychological and emotional processes individuals typically experience when confronted with risk. Starting with acceptance, this is often the least frequent initial response to risk. Acceptance implies a rational acknowledgment of the situation, which can occur once individuals have processed the risks involved. It tends to happen later, often after initial emotional responses have played out. Following acceptance, fear is a more common reaction. When confronted with threats, such as emerging diseases, fear arises as a natural emotional response that reflects concern over personal safety and the safety of loved ones. This response can prompt individuals to seek information or take precautionary measures, leading to a heightened awareness of the risk. Denial is also a frequent reaction but generally occurs after fear. Individuals may deny the risk as a coping mechanism to avoid acknowledging the threat, leading them to downplay or dismiss the danger. This defense mechanism can provide temporary relief from anxiety and discomfort. Panic is often the least frequent reaction, at least in terms of the public’s overall response to risk. It typically manifests during acute crises when individuals feel overwhelmed by anxiety or fear, leading to irrational behaviors. Although panic can occur, it is not as prevalent as fear and denial in a typical