Psychological Factors in the Nuclear Power Controversy

Students at California Polytechnic State University, located near the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, were surveyed in order to examine some of the psychological factors in the political controversy about nuclear energy. Nuclear power proponents and opponents were equally knowledgeable about nuclear power factual information, but those who supported nuclear energy expressed more trust in the credibility of information received from government and industry officials and were more trusting that the officials would protect the public. Proponents and opponents did not differ on emotional measures, but opponents were more fearful about safety problems at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.