The Beliefs Predicting Support for Heroin Legalization

Abstract

Two studies were conducted for the purpose of identifying those beliefs and perceptions about heroin which predict being for or against heroin legalization. In Study One the results of a 45-item instrument assessing the attitudes and beliefs of 359 students at Georgia State University were factor analyzed. The identified factors were entered into a multiple regression predicting support for heroin legalization. In Study Two, an item from each of the six strongest factors identified in Study One was included in a questionnaire along with a two-item measure employed in Study One to identify support for legalization. A ninth item was added and the questions were asked in a polling of 805 representative Georgia citizens. The primary findings from Study One were replicated in Study Two. The factors are described and the implications of the findings for policy are discussed.