This study investigates the role of psychological traits (empathy, locus of control, need for cognition) in shaping public attitudes toward abortion in the U.S., considering the impact of the Roe v. Wade overturn. Using data from 294 U.S. adults via Amazon Mechanical Turk, the study found that empathy toward the pregnant woman positively correlated with abortion support, while empathy toward the unborn showed an inverse relationship. Internal locus of control was positively linked to abortion support, but external locus of control and need for cognition only correlated with attitudes toward elective abortions. These findings highlight the significant influence of psychological factors on abortion attitudes.

Jiuqing Cheng, Ping Xu, Chloe Thostenson