Key Predictors that Characterize Different Stances on Significant Global Scientific Challenges: Comparing Vaccine and Climate Change Beliefs

Abstract

This paper uses socioeconomic, political, psychological, information seeking and trust-related factors to characterize different beliefs on global challenges—vaccine beliefs (COVID-19) and climate change—to inform effective science and public health communications and interventions. We surveyed a sample of 1,790 Australians (73.1% female) aged 18 to over 75 years on their vaccine beliefs, perceptions of climate change risks, demographics, and various political and attitudinal beliefs. Six groups representing different levels of belief across the two challenges were identified. Canonical linear discriminant analysis identified two clear functions—Progressive Liberalism and Conspiratorial Anti-politics—emerged as explanatory for positive and negative loaded worldviews towards vaccine mandates, respectively. Willingness to act on climate change loaded strongly and positively onto both functions. The implications of this politicized worldview are discussed, including the distinction of these composites.