A STUDY OF POLITICAL ATTITUDES IN ADOLESCENCE

Abstract

Questionnaire data obtained from adolescents revealed that (1) their political attitudes tended to be more innovative and less conservative, and (2) innovativeness increased, while conservatism decreased, with age. No systematic sex differences were found. To investigate the discrepancy between this study and public opinion research indicating political conservatism among youths, 12 undergraduates were interviewed about the broader aspects of their political lives. Although these Ss reported innovative thoughts, they expressed an unwillingness to participate in actual political behaviors. These results led to the hypothesis of 2 independent dimensions of political attitudes: political orientation (conservative/innovative) and political involvement (active/passive). Questionnaire data from university students identified as innovative/active or noninnovative/passive indicated that these groups were differentiated on the basis of political concern, belief in the impact of voting and demonstrations, favor for and interest in a political party, and activities for social well-being. (18 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)