Logan Winder; Reggie Gates; Jessica Cerchiari; Katie Erbe; Sophie A. George, Dixie State University
In the United States, conservative beliefs center around abiding authority and maintaining social cohesion. It is therefore plausible that conservative beliefs may influence Americans’ attitudes to addictive substances and behaviors. Previous research suggests that substances, such as heroin, prescription opioids, marijuana, and alcohol, differ in terms of their perceived addiction potential, and that certain behaviors, such as pornography and gambling, are also perceived as potentially addictive. Furthermore, while these substances and behaviors are widely prevalent in American culture, they differ in terms of legal status between states. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between conservatism and attitudes toward a variety of addictive substances and behaviors. The following hypotheses are proposed: (a) conservatism will be positively correlated with perceived addiction potential, and (b) conservatism will be negatively correlated with a willingness to affiliate with individuals who engage in addictive substances or behaviors. The current study aims to recruit over 6oo participants to complete an online survey that will assess attitudes to one of the following substances or behaviors: heroin, prescription opioids, marijuana, alcohol, gambling, or pornography. The findings of this study will help to elucidate the relationship between conservative beliefs and attitudes towards these addictive substances/behaviors. These data may help to guide the targeted implementation of educational interventions to both increase awareness of addiction potential, and reduce negative bias (stigmatization) regarding those who suffer from substance or behavioral addictions.