Polarization from the perspective of ambivalents: Feeling caught in the social crossfire of the U.S. abortion debate

Abstract In polarized societal debates, it is often assumed that perceiving polarization leads individuals to take sides (e.g., “pro‐life” or “pro‐choice”). However, can also make ambivalent because they feel “caught in the social crossfire” of debate. We conducted a survey study (N total = 863 women) on ambivalents’ perspectives U.S. abortion Findings supported hypothesis perceived related positively their felt ambivalence. This relationship be explained by feeling being crossfire”: torn while understanding both Moreover, ambivalence was tendencies toward avoidance debate but conciliatory efforts create mutual between groups). discuss implications these findings for and among ambivalents.