Individual Differences in Attitudes Towards Nuclear Arms Policies: Some Psychological and Social Policy Considerations

Three studies are reported which examine the influence of individual differences among US citizens on support for nuclear disarmament and moratorium policies. Results from the first study showed several significant differences between supporters and non-supporters of a nuclear moratorium, with non-sup porters evidencing considerably more hostility toward the Soviet Union and willingness to defer to ex perts. A second study indicated that persons who valued children highly were considerably more likely to have pro-nuclear disarmament attitudes. The third study, conducted in 'Middletown USA' (Muncie, Indiana), showed that supporters and non-supporters of a nuclear freeze differed on two basic factors: (1) fear and distrust of the Soviet Union and (2) willingness to characterize supporters of the freeze as stupid and unpatriotic. Non-supporters were also more likely to view a freeze as useless due to their per ception of Soviet propensity to cheat on an agreement. When considered from the perspective of peace activists, these results have several implications. Most importantly, those attempting to mobilize public support for nuclear control should focus their messages to the public on how national security can be en hanced through arms control agreements, on the patriotism of supporting such a plan, and how an indi vidual citizen — by supporting an effective plan — can have an impact on reducing shared anxiety con cerning nuclear war. It is argued that efforts to emphasize the horrific aspects of nuclear war will be lar gely ineffective in increasing support for nuclear disarmament.