A growing body of psychological and cognitive research is showing that the conservative mind has the following in common, indicating a profound challenge for American democracy in years to come:
- are low in the “openness” trait — seek comfort and familiarity, and avoid novelty or challenge
- dislike change and difference
- rigid and dogmatic thinkers; close-minded
- have a strong need for closure
- have a high tendency to jump to conclusions while exuding self-righteous conviction
- are high in conscientiousness, but low in conscience — many see life as a game to win at all costs, especially the social dominators
- value loyalty
- more likely than liberals to engage in motivated reasoning
- more likely to have strong religious beliefs
- more likely to engage in magical thinking
- more likely to believe in conspiracy theories
- more likely to exhibit authoritarian personality traits
- more likely to harbor aggressive tendencies