Final answer:
Adoption of cultural values and moral principles to handle the fear of death is referred to as terror management theory. This is part of an overarching approach to understanding societal norms and comforting oneself in the face of mortality through cultural and religious beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
People adopt cultural values and moral principles in a comprehensive belief system to cope with their fear of death, a tactic known as terror management theory. This process involves adhering to societal norms, embracing cultural beliefs, and being cognizant of societal values. In essence, embracing a belief system provides comfort and hope, especially in the face of death, by helping to mitigate the anxieties and fears associated with the end of life and the unknown that follows.
Cultural practices, religious beliefs, and moral codes offer different mechanisms for coping with death. This could range from the belief in an afterlife to rituals that provide a sense of closure and community support. The Kübler-Ross model of grief and the concept of hospice care are examples of how individuals and societies attempt to provide a dignified way to face death and deal with loss.
Morality often reflects the cultural context it comes from, grounding individuals within a range of culturally acceptable behaviors. However, this also means morality is subject to relativism, whereby different cultures develop their own unique standards. Nevertheless, most cultures share universal elements in commemorating death, which are of interest for sociological study.