OU - Faculty and Staff Publications

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Open Access
Faculty and Staff Publications Test Submission
(2025-01-01) Bryant, Seth
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Open Access
Moral Foundations and Public Perceptions of Carbon Capture and Storage with Induced Seismicity
(2024-09) Bedle, Heather; Tran, Hy
Moral foundations held by the public significantly influence attitudes towards energy transition policies like carbon capture and storage (CCS). This study examined the relationships between moral foundations and public perception of CCS with induced seismicity risks in a nationally representative survey of Americans, while controlling for political party and orientation. The binding moral foundation of Loyalty and the individualizing foundation of Care were associated with support for CCS, despite the risk of small earthquakes. In contrast, the individualizing foundation of Fairness and the binding foundations of Authority and Purity were correlated with opposition to CCS when considering the possibility of induced seismicity. An interaction effect was observed between the moral foundation of Loyalty and political orientation. Liberals and moderates tended to increase their support for CCS with the risk of earthquakes as their in-group loyalty increased, while conservatives' support remained unchanged with increasing in-group loyalty. These findings suggest effective energy transition strategies should consider moral foundation dynamics in policy design and public messaging, particularly for climate mitigation aspects involving seismicity risks. Tailoring approaches to align with distinct moral concerns of different population segments could enhance public acceptance of carbon-mitigating energy solutions. Policymakers and communicators should address underlying moral foundations shaping public attitudes to develop more targeted strategies for building support, especially for methods with inherent risks.
Open Access
The Moral Foundations of Group Perceptions
(2024-08) Bedle, Heather
We investigate the role of moral foundations in shaping attitudes towards various social and political groups in the United States. Using data from the 2023 SPEER survey (N=2,188), we examine how the five moral foundations—Care, Fairness, Loyalty, Authority, and Purity—relate to feelings towards left-sympathetic and right-sympathetic groups, while controlling for demographic factors. Our findings reveal that individualizing foundations (Care and Fairness) consistently predict warmer attitudes towards left-sympathetic groups and cooler attitudes towards right-sympathetic groups. Conversely, binding foundations (Loyalty and Authority) show strong associations with warmer attitudes towards right-sympathetic groups and cooler attitudes towards left-sympathetic groups. The Purity foundation demonstrates more complex relationships, defying simple left-right categorization. These results underscore the importance of considering psychological factors alongside demographics when studying group perceptions and affective polarization.
Open Access
The Influence of Social Dominance Orientation on Public Support for Carbon Capture and Storage with the Risk of Induced Seismicity
(2024-08) Bedle, Heather
We present social survey findings regarding the influence of social dominance orientation (SDO) on public support for carbon capture, utilization, and underground storage (CCUS) technologies with the risk of induced seismicity. Using data from a nationally representative survey of 2,188 U.S. adults conducted in Spring 2023, regression analyses are used to examine how SDO shapes attitudes towards CCUS while controlling for demographic factors, political affiliations, and religious beliefs. The findings reveal a positive correlation between higher SDO scores and support for CCUS, particularly related to SDO-dominance beliefs. Additionally, political ideology, education, income, and religious beliefs emerged as significant predictors of CCUS acceptance, and regional variations in CCUS support and SDO were observed across U.S. Census divisions. These results suggest a complex interplay between psychological, social, and demographic factors in shaping public attitudes towards climate change mitigation technologies, that warrant further research to provide insights for policymakers and communicators seeking to promote CCUS adoption while addressing potential social and environmental concerns.
Open Access
Analysis of Socioeconomic, Psychological, and Moral Factors in Shaping Public Trust in Water Recycling Initiatives
(2024-08) Bedle, Heather
As water scarcity becomes more common, water recycling initiatives are becoming more important. When considering water recycling, public trust in the initiatives is crucial for success. To address this, we investigate the factors influencing public trust in water recycling using a nationally representative sample in the United States and find that socioeconomic factors such as income, gender, and geographic location play a significant role, with higher-income individuals, men, and those living in suburban areas showing more trust in water recycling. Self-assessed health and happiness are also positively associated with trust. Social capital increases trust, while conspiracy theory belief strongly decreases it. The moral foundations of loyalty and purity are significant predictors, with loyalty increasing trust and purity decreasing it. Interestingly, climate change beliefs, such as trust in climate scientists, influence the respondent’s trust in water recycling, while belief in climate change risks, worry about global warming, and perceived personal/future harm from global warming do not. Fear, including fear of environmental disasters, has no significant influence on trust in our survey. These findings in the initial SPEER 2023 survey begin to provide insight for water management policies and public outreach strategies, highlighting the need to consider a wide range of socioeconomic, psychological, and moral factors when building trust in water recycling initiatives.
Open Access
Group Perceptions in America: Demographic and Ideological Divides
(2024-08) Bedle, Heather
We examine Americans' attitudes towards diverse social and political groups using data from the 2023 SPEER Survey. Employing feeling thermometers, we analyze perceptions of left-sympathetic and rightsympathetic groups across a wide range of demographic, socioeconomic, and ideological factors. Our findings reveal significant patterns in group attitudes, with political ideology emerging as a consistent predictor across both categories. Age, education, gender, race/ethnicity, income, rurality, family structure, and religious beliefs also play varying roles of significance in shaping those perceptions. Leftsympathetic groups generally received warmer ratings from younger, more educated, and less religious respondents, while right-sympathetic groups were viewed more favorably by conservative, rural, and religiously active individuals. These survey results highlight the complex interplay of factors influencing group perceptions in American society, contributing to our understanding of affective polarization and social divisions. These insights begin to document the foundation of feelings toward other groups which has important implications for social cohesion, political behavior, and policy preferences in an increasingly polarized society.
Open Access
Exploring U.S. Climate Attitudes 2023 SPEER Survey Findings
(2024-07) Bedle, Heather; Garneau, Christopher R.H.
We present findings from a comprehensive survey of climate-related attitudes across the United States in 2023. Using an online sample of 2,188 U.S. adults, we examined correlates of climate-related attitudes. Regional analyses reveal regional variations in climate attitudes, with the West South-Central region showing consistently high levels of concern across most measures, while the East South-Central region demonstrates the lowest levels of concern. The Pacific region exhibits a nuanced pattern, ranking high in risk perception and concern for future generations, but lower in personal worry and anticipated harm. Linear regression analysis for climate belief identifies several significant predictors including political affiliation and orientation, religious beliefs, education, and urbanicity. Conservatives, Republicans, evangelical Christians, and rural residents are more likely to express skepticism about climate change, while higher education levels correlate with stronger climate change beliefs. Additionally, we assessed public trust in climate scientists using a feeling thermometer scale, finding generally high trust levels with notable regional and demographic variations. This inaugural survey establishes a baseline for tracking changes in climate attitudes over time and provides valuable insights for tailoring climate communication strategies and policy approaches across different segments of the U.S. population.
Open Access
U.S. Energy Perceptions: 2023 SPEER Survey Findings
(2024-07) Bedle, Heather; Garneau, Christopher R.H.
Using an online survey, we analyze important predictors of energy preference for both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. This report provides new insights and confirms findings from earlier studies on energy preferences. Our results support previous research that highlights politics as a crucial determinant of energy preferences among Americans. Additionally, we find that religious factors and individual demographics play significant roles. Additionally, we find that religious factors and individual demographics play significant roles. Political affiliation, ideology, religious beliefs, gender, and biblical literalism strongly influence attitudes towards various energy sources. Conservatives, Republicans, women, and biblical literalists generally show less support for renewable energies and greater support for fossil fuels. These findings suggest that targeted communication strategies addressing gender specific concerns and engaging with religious communities, particularly those with literal interpretations of scripture, could be effective in promoting the energy transition. We conclude with a discussion on the importance of this research for motivating social science scholarship on energy preference.
Open Access
Social Dominance Orientation & Climate Change Belief
(2024-07) Bedle, Heather; Garneau, Christopher R.H.
Social dominance orientation (SDO) has consistently been linked to climate change denial and opposition to pro-environmental policies. However, recent research suggests that the subdimensions of SDO, namely SDO-D (dominance) and SDO-E (anti-egalitarianism), may have differential associations with climate change attitudes. This study aims to investigate the unique contributions of SDO-D and SDO-E to climate change beliefs while controlling for a wide range of socioeconomic and demographic variables. Utilizing data from an online survey, we find that SDO-E is a stronger predictor of climate change denial than SDO-D. This report highlights the importance of considering the multidimensional nature of SDO in understanding environmental attitudes.
Open Access
Insights on Cultural Worldviews and Public Support for Renewable Energy
(2024-07) Bedle, Heather; Garneau, Christopher R.H.
We explore the relationship between cultural worldviews and support for renewable energy focusing on how individual worldviews of egalitarianism, individualism, hierarchy, and fatalism affect attitudes toward increasing solar and wind energy and decreasing fossil fuel usage. We find that egalitarianism is positively correlated with support for renewable energy and reducing fossil fuel consumption, while individualism is negatively correlated with these policies. Hierarchy emerges as a predictor of opposition to decreasing fossil fuels usage in the U.S. The cultural theory of risk provides a framework for interpreting these results, suggesting that an individuals' perceptions of the balance between nature and society shape their attitudes toward environmental risks, and therefore climate change mitigation strategies such as energy preference. This research demonstrates the importance of considering cultural worldviews when trying to understand the challenges and opportunities associated with energy transition.
Open Access
The Influence of Cultural Worldviews on Public Support for Carbon Capture and Storage with the Risk of Induced Seismicity
(2024-07) Bedle, Heather; Beutel, Ann; Garneau, Christopher R.H.
We investigate the influence of cultural worldviews on public support for carbon capture and storage (CCS) with the risk of induced seismicity, while controlling for demographic factors, political affiliation, and religious beliefs. Using data from an online survey, we employ the cultural theory of risk framework to examine how hierarchy, egalitarian, individualism, and fatalist worldviews shape attitudes towards CCS when there is a noted risk of small earthquakes occurring due to the CCS. We find that individualism has a negative correlation with CCS support, while fatalism and egalitarianism have positive correlations. The absence of a significant correlation between the hierarchy worldview and CCS support suggests that other factors may be more influential in shaping hierarchists' attitudes toward CCS. We discuss these results in the context of each cultural worldview’s relation to nature, noting the importance of considering cultural worldviews alongside demographic variables when assessing public perceptions of CCS, given its known side effect risks. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex social and cultural dynamics surrounding social acceptance of CCS.
Open Access
The Role of Moral Foundations in the Energy Transition
(2024-06) Bedle, Heather; Garneau, Christopher R.H.; Stanfield, Rory
Public support for renewable energy and climate policies is crucial for the success of the energy transition. While previous research has established the influence of political ideology on energy preferences, the role of moral foundations in shaping these attitudes remains underexplored. This study examined the relationships between moral foundations and support for renewable energy (solar and wind) and fossil fuel reduction policies, while controlling for political orientation and other relevant factors. Using data from an online national survey of 2,188 U.S. adults, we employ binary logistic regression analyses to test the independent associations of the five moral foundations (care, fairness, authority, loyalty, purity) with energy policy preferences. The results reveal that the individualizing foundations of care and fairness consistently predict higher support for renewable energy and lower support for fossil fuels, even after accounting for political ideology. In contrast, the binding foundation of authority is negatively associated with renewable energy support, while loyalty predicts opposition to decreasing fossil fuel use. Results also demonstrate that moral foundations play a distinct role in shaping public attitudes towards energy transition policies, beyond the influence of political orientation. The care and fairness foundations emerge as potential drivers of support for renewable energy and climate action across the political spectrum. Conversely, the authority and loyalty foundations may contribute to resistance to energy system changes, particularly among conservatives. We highlight the importance of considering moral concerns in the design and communication of energy transition strategies. Policymakers and advocates could leverage moral foundations theory to craft targeted messages and policies that resonate with different segments of the public. By aligning climate and energy initiatives with widely shared moral values, it may be possible to build broader coalitions of support for the energy transition. Further research is needed to test the effectiveness of morally-framed interventions in shifting energy attitudes and behaviors.
Open Access
SPEER23 Survey Report Investigating Climate, Weather, and Energy Attitudes in the United States through the Lens of Social and Psychological Factors
(2024-06) Bedle, Heather; Beutel, Ann M.; Garneau, Christopher R.H.
Changing seasonal weather patterns and increases in climate-related severe weather have resulted in billions of dollars in damages to property as well as injuries and loss of life across the United States. These climate and weather patterns are expected to continue in the coming decades, depending on the magnitude of global warming, ushering in more frequent heat waves and intensifying the water cycle, which will result in more extreme weather events including severe winter storms, flooding, severe wind, hail, drought, and fire weather (i.e., land and weather conditions that are conducive to wildfires) (IPCC, 2021). Humans do not exist independent of Earth systems, and Earth systems no longer operate independently of human influence, as evidenced by the proposal of a new geologic era - the Anthropocene (Crutzen, 2002). This increase in natural catastrophes and large-scale disasters, both observed over the last few decades and expected in the near future, cause repetitive stress and strain on society in rebuilding and mitigation efforts and create disproportionate vulnerabilities for individuals (Thomas et al., 2019). There are a few studies that focus on how attitudes and behaviors are impacted by natural disasters (e.g., Maki et al., 2019; Rudolph & Kuhn, 2018; Sun et al., 2019); however, most of these studies analyzed data that are limited in sample size, and generally looked at on an aggregated level rather than individual-level attitudes and behaviors. This is not always ideal because data on individual attitudes and behaviors can be used to inform climate-related interventions and policies, as well as increase understanding of the willingness of individuals to help others in need, post-disaster. As a first step towards filling data needs, we conducted an online survey – the inaugural wave and pilot study of the Social, Political, Earth & Environmental Survey – in 2023 (SPEER23 Survey).
Open Access
Group Climate and Development in Adventure Therapy: An Exploratory Study
(2019-01-31) Christian, David D.; Brown, Cian L.; Portie-Bethke, Torey L.
This study explored the group developmental process of Adventure Therapy (AT) conducted with 9th grade students (n = 20). Researchers measured avoidance, conflict, and cohesion and compared results from this study to the development of traditional counseling groups. Results suggested that AT groups follow a similar developmental process as traditional group counseling as evidenced by a statistically significant increase in cohesion, an increase then decrease in conflict, and a decrease in avoidance. This study is a response to a previous call for research related to AT group development. Implications for counselors, AT training programs, and future research are discussed.
Open Access
Experiential Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Reflective Process
(2020-08-31) Christian, David D.; McCarty, Danny L.; Brown, Cian L.
The COVID-19 pandemic made a resounding impact worldwide, forcing brick-and-mortar higher education institutions to move online. During this transition, students had to adjust while attempting to construct meaning amidst myriad of pandemic related challenges. At the same time, educators had to transition from in-person to online course delivery, while navigating their own uncertain circumstances. All the while, learning continued. This article describes experiential education and outlines how educators can use a model that integrates the adventure wave and experiential learning cycle to guide online instruction. The proposed model is useful for enhancing the learning process and promoting wellbeing by providing students the needed time to construct new knowledge about course content within the context of the pandemic. Case examples demonstrating the application of experiential education using the proposed model in a counseling theories course and basic skills course are included. Emphasis is placed on ensuring student welfare so that learning can continue during the disruption of COVID-19.
Open Access
Navigating Adventure Therapy: Using Adlerian Theory as a Guide
(2021) Christian, David D.; McCarty, Danny L.; Brown, Cian L.
This article proposes the use of Adlerian theory to guide adventure therapy (AT), an active intervention that uses experiential techniques to foster client growth. Important Adlerian concepts identified in this paper include phenomenology, teleology, choice, superiority, social interest, and lifestyle with further discussion into Adlerian theory as a guiding theory of counseling. Also explored is the use of Adlerian theory to conceptualize AT participants and facilitate activities. Specific AT techniques like challenge by choice, full-value contract, adventure wave, risk, and adventure activities are identified. Finally, this article concludes by exploring how Adlerian theory can guide culturally responsive AT practice.
Open Access
The Power of Kawa: Metaphor in Counseling Supervision
(2021-07-19) Brown, Cian L.; Broadwater, Amy R.; Christian, David D.
Clinical supervision is an essential aspect of counselor training. Apart from traditional models of supervision, many new and creative ways of conducting supervision have emerged. The integration of the Kawa Model that employs a metaphorical river, with Bernard’s Discrimination Model offers a culturally responsive and creative approach to clinical supervision. An overview of the Kawa Model, detailed description of the integration process, and case study are provided.
Open Access
Examining the Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention Using a Neurofeedback Device on Adolescent Introspection: A Quasi-Experimental Time-Series Design
(2022-01-18) Smarinksy, Evan C.; Brown, Cian L.; Christian, David D.
This study explored whether adolescents’ introspection increased while engaged in a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI). Using a quasi-experimental design, the researchers identified high school students (n = 13) with elevated levels of anxiety to participate in an 11-week, multiphase MBI. Participants’ introspection ability was assessed by comparing self-reported levels and observed percentage of time calm as recorded by a neurofeedback (NFB) device three times a week during the program. Using general linear modeling, results indicated a significant interaction effect with moderate effect sizes between self-reported scores by phase on NFB scores, F(2, 407)=4.12, p = 0.017 and a significant interaction between sex and self-reported scores on NFB scores overall, F(1, 407)=5.05, p = 0.025. Female participants appeared to have increased introspection compared to males. Results support the use of MBIs to foster introspection in adolescents. The MBI with an NFB device appeared to improve introspection, a key factor in accurate self-report.
Open Access
Student Experiences of an Adventure Therapy Mountain Bike Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic
(2022-07-13) Brown, Cian L.; Smarinksy, Evan C.; McCarty, Danny L.
A mountain bike program was designed and adapted for the school setting with middle school-aged students during 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Two mountain bike groups were offered to facilitate training and development of mountain bike knowledge and skills: one group with integrated Adventure Therapy components to facilitate a therapeutic process and the other group without a therapeutic debriefing process. Forty-one students participated in the program after being randomly assigned to one of two groups. An exploratory qualitative analysis revealed that the pandemic negatively impacted participants’ wellbeing and academics, leading to increased isolation and decreased motivation, while the mountain bike program increased their focus, competency, physical and mental wellbeing, and connection to the environment. It appears the mountain bike program served as a protective factor for participants. Implications for professionals and researchers are discussed.
Open Access
Exchange Rate and Agricultural Trade: Evidence from Iran
(2023) Sardehae, Behzad Fakari; Foroushani, Naser Shahnoushi; Tabrizy, Saleh S.
Iran has been consistently running a trade deficit in agricultural products. Conditional upon domestic and global output as well as oil exports, we find that the effective real exchange rate plays a significant role in perpetuating this deficit. While we find no evidence of any J-curve dynamics, our results suggest that the effects from currency appreciation is of greater importance when compared to depreciation.