Abstract

Performing a secondary analysis of the data collected by the Italian Observatory of the North-West (representative sample of the population living in Piedmont, an Italian county, N = 698), we tested a structural equations model linking attachment to agreement for the reintroduction of the death penalty and for temporary restrictions of individual freedom when faced with a serious threat via the mediation of ethnic prejudice, of trust in others and of trust in political institutions. Such model showed a satisfactory fit and was invariant across participants' gender, level of education, and (partially) political placement. Limits and future developments of this research are discussed.