Political conservatism and cognitive rigidity in a sample of university students and graduates of the city of Lima

This study analyzes the relationship between political conservatism and cognitive rigidity in a sample of university students and graduates of the city of Lima (N = 279). Political conservatism was assessed using scales of right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), social dominance orientation (SDO), right-wing ideological orientation and justification of inequality. Cognitive rigidity was assessed with measures of intolerance of ambiguity, uncertainty intolerance, need for cognitive closure and openness to experience. A moderate correlation was found between political conservatism and cognitive rigidity (r =.27). A multiple linear regression analysis showed that only intolerance of ambiguity has a direct influence on political conservatism. Variables that express more intensely political conservatism are RWA and SDO, while cognitive rigidity is expressed more intensely through intolerance for ambiguity and need for cognitive closure.