Psychologists' Attitudes and Behaviors Regarding Nuclear Arms.

This survey examined the attitudes and behaviors of the 297 members of the American Psychological Association (APA) who responded to a mail survey of 1,000 members concerning a 1982 APA resolution calling for a nuclear freeze, a return to a productive civilian economy, and other issues related to nuclear arms. The attitudes and behaviors of the membership were found to be in agreement with the resolution. The majority were active in reading relevant literature, signing petitions, and engaging in informal discussions with others. Psychologists with a humanistic/existential orientation were most likely to have attitudes supportive of nuclear freeze and disarmament. Psychologists with children and older psychologists were likely to support peace organizations. Not wanting to survive a nuclear war was related to antinuclear activities. No differences in attitudes and behaviors were found for the following variables: professional identification, gender, and personal experience of war. (Author/IS).