• Admin
    UC Research Repository
    View Item 
       
    • UC Home
    • Library
    • UC Research Repository
    • College of Science
    • Science: Theses and Dissertations
    • View Item
       
    • UC Home
    • Library
    • UC Research Repository
    • College of Science
    • Science: Theses and Dissertations
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Browse

    All of the RepositoryCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

    Statistics

    View Usage Statistics

    Adolescent response in a nuclear age : An exploratory study

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    branhart-thomson_thesis.pdf (6.828Mb)
    Author
    Barnhart-Thomson, Greta
    Date
    1986
    Permanent Link
    http://hdl.handle.net/10092/7164
    Thesis Discipline
    Psychology
    Degree Grantor
    University of Canterbury
    Degree Level
    Masters
    Degree Name
    Master of Arts

    The present study investigates the awareness of New Zealand adolescents towards nuclear issues and towards New Zealand's nuclear prospects in world affairs. A questionnaire was constructed which was used to examine the level of awareness, as well as cognitive, emotional and political reactions to the future in relation to these issues. Five hundred and seventy adolescents (287 males and 283 females) aged 13 to 18 inclusive took part in the study. The results show that the adolescents believed that nuclear war is likely in the future, and that New Zealand has enemies without there being a consensus over the enemies. The results further reveal sex and age differences in attitudes. Females were more pessimistic and less politically knowledgeable than males. Pessimism and cynicism increased with age. The results suggest that while these adolescents were pessimistic about the future in the wider realm, on a personal level they were responding in a positive way with efficacy towards the issues. The qualitative data also indicate that these young people were angry about New Zealand's prospects and towards nuclear issues. Cross-national comparisons are made between the present findings and studies from other nations. The results are further discussed with reference to political socialization and the importance of education in increasing political awareness.

    Collections
    • Science: Theses and Dissertations [3298]
    Rights
    http://library.canterbury.ac.nz/thesis/etheses_copyright.shtml

    UC Research Repository
    University Library
    University of Canterbury
    Private Bag 4800
    Christchurch 8140

    Phone
    364 2987 ext 8718

    Email
    ucresearchrepository@canterbury.ac.nz

    Follow us
    FacebookTwitterYoutube

    © University of Canterbury Library
    Send Feedback | Contact Us