Inferred Psychological Needs as a Function of Stimulus Assigned and Subject-Expressed Political Preference

Abstract

This investigation assessed whether the concepts that individuals have of political stimulus objects (i.e., liberals or conservatives) can be meaningfully differentiated from one another on the basis of Murray's psychological needs inferred or attributed to those political stimulus objects by the individuals. An attempt was also made to demonstrate the relationship between people's political preferences (liberal vs conservative) and the psychological need patterns they attribute to liberal or conservative political stimulus objects. The 21 liberal and 21 conservative subjects described their concepts of political stimulus objects on the Adjective Check List. While no differences in inferred liberal/conservative need profile shapes were uncovered, significant differences in need profile elevations and in specific psychogenic needs were found. Results were interpreted in terms of both inferred psychological needs and an affective/favorability variable uncovered.