Psychological equivalence: Awareness and response-ability in our nuclear age.

Abstract

The threat of nuclear war is a psychological concern because it began with and dramatically influences the human mind.Problems such as nuclear weapons, pollution, and ecological imbalance stem directly from our own behavior and can May 1985 * American Psychologist

Psychological Responses to the Threat of Nuclear War

“…How we respond to the ultimate threat posed by nuclear weapons is clearly a problem for psychology. Albert Einstein said, "The splitting of the atom has changed everything save our modes of thinking, and thus we drift toward unparalleled catastrophe" (Nelson, 1985). Typically, psychologists have approached the problem from two complementary perspectives.…”

When Thoughts Turn Toward Nuclear War: Stress Responses, Coping Strategies, and the Importance of Trait Anxiety in Moderating Effects on “Mental Health”1

“…Perhaps it should not be so surprising that worry and anxiety specific to nuclear wut may not be creating the kinds of psychological and psychiatric issues that some researchers have anticipated (e.g., Beardslee & Mack, 1982; Escalona, 1982; Holt, 19W, Nelson, 1985;Schwebel, 1982). In reflecting on this issue, Tizard (1984) examined research concerning the 16 years of violence and conflict in Northern Ireland as well as the peak periods of anxiety over nuclear weapons in the United Kingdom and found little evidence for a precipitous rise in mental health-related problems that could be linked to these environmental events.…”

“…Moreover, our empirical methods may not assist us in determining which group is appraising the situation most "realistically" or coping with the threat most "adaptively" (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). Although some authors believe that directly facing the nuclear threat, with all of its associated affective implications, is the healthiest method of coping and crucial to facilitating preventative action (Allen, 1985;Nelson, 1985), other researchers argue that "denial-like processes" may be quite adaptive in situations where no personal action to alleviate danger is "realistically" possible (Goldberg, 1984;Lazarus, 1983). While nuclear missiles are currently poised and ready in silos and submarines around the world, even learned political analysts and strategic policy experts disagree as to whether they will ever be launched and what actions (both government and citizen initiated) will be necessary and sufficient to prevent a nuclear holocaust.…”

“…More specifically, researchers have suggested that the nuclear war threat may, in part, be responsible for family problems, drug abuse, premature sexual activity, and declining academic performance among American youth EscaIona, 1982;Schwebel, 1982Schwebel, , 1984. Additionally, some practitioners have reported seeing clients who have been "powerfully" and adversely affected by the nuclear threat; suffering from "nuclear dis-ease" or nuclear-related numbing, despair, hopelessness, depression, and anxiety (Nelson, 1985;Wagner, 1985).…”

Alan Nelson (1947-2002): In memoriam.

“…In addition to his many friends and colleagues, the Division that is a part of his legacy, and important publications (especially, Nelson, 1984Nelson, , 1985, Alan leaves a book near completion: Because Peace and Life Are Holy. The title is pure Alan Nelson.…”