Three Dimensions of American Conservative Political Orientation Differentially Predict Negativity Bias and Satisfaction With Life

Abstract

Numerous studies have linked political conservatism with negativity bias, whereas others have linked conservatism with indicators of positive adjustment. This research sought to reconcile this seeming contradiction by examining whether distinct dimensions of conservatism differentially predicted measures of negativity bias and positive adjustment. In two studies, we used an empirically derived and validated Attitude-Based Political Conservatism (ABPC) Scale that captures three correlated but distinct factors of American conservatism: Libertarian Independence, Moral Traditionalism, and Ethnic Separateness. In both studies ( N = 1,756), Libertarian Independence was linked with indicators of positive adjustment, whereas Moral Traditionalism and Ethnic Separateness were linked with indices of negativity bias. By identifying which dimensions of conservatism predict negativity bias and positive adjustment, this work illuminates the unique psychological foundations of distinct strands of conservatism in America.

Libertarian independent ideologies predict lower support for and participation in COVID‐19 safety precautions among Americans

“…Furthermore, past findings suggest that conservatives overall were more pathogen‐averse (Inbar et al., 2012). However, recent studies found negative associations between LI and pathogen aversion (Xu et al., 2022). Thus, conservatives higher in LI may be less bothered by the contamination/pathogen aspect of the pandemic compared to other conservatives.…”

“…Higher LI is characterized by decreased support for government‐funded programs, and preferring minimal government interference (Xu et al., 2022). These individuals are less likely to support government restrictions to their daily lives, which may extend to the COVID‐19 safety precaution measures, especially government mandates.…”

“…Attitude‐Based Political Conservatism Scale. The ABPC Scale (Xu et al., 2022) contained 33 items, measuring three dimensions of conservatism: LI (“The government should fund alternative energy research and production”; α = 0.96), MT (“Euthanizing someone who wishes to die is murder”; α = 0.91), and ES (“I wish that individuals of different races would not have children together”; α = 0.83). Participants rated each item on a 7‐point scale (“Strongly disagree” to “Strongly agree”).…”

“…While both uni‐ and bi‐dimensional models offer utility in characterizing ideology, the present studies opted for an empirically‐driven, three‐dimensional conceptualization of political ideology via the Attitude‐Based Political Conservatism (ABPC) Scale (Xu et al., 2022), which proposes three related yet distinct dimensions of American conservatism: Libertarian Independence (LI), Moral Traditionalism (MT), and Ethnic Separateness (ES). Libertarian Independence pertains to political issues characterized by independence from government support.…”

“…Lastly, ES deals with issues relevant to ethnic/racial relationships. Although related to general political orientation, each dimension uniquely predicts important social outcomes beyond the effects of general political orientation (e.g., candidate endorsement, wellbeing; Xu et al., 2021, 2022). We believe that this three‐dimensional model offers further precision than “social versus economic” models, since many issues are difficult to neatly classify as “social” or “economic.” For example, while social welfare programs are often presented as an “economic” concern, they also contain “social” aspects (i.e., free handouts being unfair).…”