Determinants and Distinguishing Variables of Pro-Disarmament Behavior and Responsible Environmental Behavior

Examined why people do not engage in behavior congruent with their attitudes toward the nuclear arms race while clearly demonstrating attitude-behavior congruence with regard to environmental problems. 140 adults responded to a survey on the nuclear arms race and 140 adults completed a survey on the environment. Ss' perceived threat, knowledge of the issues, perceived tactical efficacy, moral responsibility, and social influences discriminated both peace and environmental activists from their nonactive counterparts. Perceived collective control and situational variables failed to discriminate the 2 groups. Perceived skill distinguished environmental activists from nonactivists but failed to discriminate peace activists from their nonactive counterparts. The differences between the variables that moderate peace and environmental activism are discussed.