This is the report of a task force formed to bring psychological understanding to bear on the various aspects of the development of nuclear arms and nuclear energy and the threat they pose to human physical, mental, and emotional health. The first of seven articles considers the sociopsychological aspects of the nuclear arms race. Other articles address the emotional responses to nuclear issues and terrorism, United States-Soviet relations in the nuclear context, the relationship of secrecy to nuclear developments, the impact of nuclear developments on children and adolescents, and the psychological aspects of the accident at Three Mile Island. A concluding article reviews relevant literature. (LP)

Exploring the nature of nuclear war, this psychological treatise examines human reactions to nuclear disaster and accidental explosions. The discusssion is based on evidence of human fallibility that has emerged from the psychology of accidents and from research into decision-making in military and political contexts. Draws on the psychology of negotiation and conflict resolution to suggest ways in which the threat of nuclear war might be reduced.