In an Italian sample (N = 483, 78.23% women, mean age = 27.61 years old), we used structural equation modeling with latent variables and interactions to analyze the direct, indirect, and interactive effects exerted on right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) by the Big Five factors of personality and by dangerous world beliefs (DWB). Openness, Neuroticism, and Conscientiousness exerted direct effects on RWA; the first two relationships were partially mediated by DWB. Most importantly, the relationship between DWB and RWA was moderated by Openness: DWB significantly influenced RWA solely for participants high in Openness. Limitations and possible developments of this research are discussed.Abstract word count = 100
We analyzed the relations between exposure to news describing a natural disaster and right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) with 241 Italian adults, surveyed twice, before and after a severe earthquake. Our results were compatible with the idea that the exposure to earthquake news led to an increase in RWA among people who had low, but not among who had relatively high, authoritarian levels before the event. We discuss the findings in terms of compensatory control, and highlight strengths and limitations of the study.
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