A q-sort measure of beliefs about abortion

Abstract

A Q-Sort procedure for assessing beliefs about abortion is presented. University respondents (N = 119) sorted 41 items, derived in part from open-ended responses of a large community sample, into a 7-category forced distribution. Cluster analysis of their sorts yielded four types, two reflecting “pro-life” orientations toward this issue and two representing “pro-choice” orientations. Significant differences among the types were found on eight scales of the California Psychological Inventory, including scales assessing interpersonal effectiveness, intellectual competence, and flexibility. However, the types did not differ on scales assessing respondents’ orientation toward norms. These results suggest the utility of employing the Abortion Beliefs Q-Sort in further studies on this complex and controversial social and health issue. © 1993, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.