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Impact of Terrorism on Arizona Families

In April 2002, a special public opinion study about the Impact of Terrorism was conducted as a part of the Current Issues Monitor of WestGroup Research's ongoing monthly omnibus study, WestTrack market monitor. WestTrack is Arizona's oldest and largest ongoing omnibus study, in continuous operation since 1971.

In a study of Arizona adults in April, the majority of respondents (58%) said the terrorism against the United States had changed their families. The middle age group (30 to 49) has been affected most - 68% said it had changed them. The impact was more pronounced as income increased - only 44% of those earning less than $25,000 thought their family had changed, compared to 69% of those earning more than $75,000.

Positive Changes
On the positive side, many Arizonans reported changes for the better. They feel they are now more aware of the world and people around them (17%). Some feel more patriotic, more friendly, closer to their family, and generally more appreciative. When asked specifically in follow-up questions, 24% of all respondents said the amount of time they spend with their families has increased. Most affected were the 30-49 age group - 37% said they are spending more time with their families. Additionally, 12% said the number of meals they eat at home with family has increased.

Negative Changes
Some reported changes on the negative side. About one out of eight (13%) said they don't like to fly any more. This is truer of men than women (17% vs. 9%). Nearly as many said they are more cautious now (12%). Some reported lost jobs or lost business (9%). This economic impact may have hit younger families harder - of the respondents under the age of 30 who said they had experienced changes, 27% said the result was lost jobs. When asked specifically in a follow-up question, 12% of all respondents said they now have more trouble sleeping. Those most affected were respondents with their main household income source from "blue collar" jobs (23%).

Increased Respect
There has been a dramatic improvement in the amount of respect Arizonans have for people on the front lines of the war on terror. In particular, three out of five Arizonans (59%) have increased respect for firefighters. About half of all Arizona respondents said their respect has increased for military personnel, police officers, airline pilots, and flight attendants.

In what way has September 11th changed you and your family?
(Positive changes among Arizona adults experiencing changes)

Since September 11th, would you say your respect has increased, stayed the same, or decreased for...
(Increased respect/Arizona adults)

Review the full press release.

Summer 2002 Answers:
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