Understanding How Individual Differences Are Related to Community Sentiment Toward Safe Haven Laws Using a Student Sample

In this chapter, an in-depth overview of two common approaches to community sentiment is provided: assessing variances in sentiment based on individual differences (e.g., gender) and using a student sample. Generally, past research indicates that there are sometimes differences in sentiment and behavior (e.g., juror verdicts) between student and nonstudent samples, but this depends on the topic being addressed. Additionally, common individual differences examined in sentiment research include: religion, gender, political affiliation, and race. A study was conducted to illustrate how individual differences in a student sample are related to support for Safe Haven laws (i.e., laws providing parents the option of anonymously relinquishing their children to authorities). Results indicate that religious organizational practice was positively related to support for Safe Haven laws. Three variables approached traditional levels of significance: political affiliation, fundamentalism, and evangelism. Through much future study, community sentiment researchers can understand which individual differences measures to include—and what kind of sample is needed—to fully understand sentiment about any particular topic.