Psychologist Brett Q. Ford, PhD, and political scientist Kevin Smith, PhD, discuss the impact of political stress on individuals' well-being, historical and contemporary political stress, balancing political engagement and emotional health, genetic influence on political ideology, and strategies for managing election-related stress.
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Quick takeaways
High levels of political stress impact mental and physical well-being.
Genetic factors play a role in shaping political attitudes and ideologies.
Deep dives
Political Stress: A Common Source of Anxiety
Many Americans experience stress and anxiety due to politics, with the presidential election being a prominent source. Studies reveal high levels of stress related to political events and news consumption, leading to negative emotions. Daily exposure to political news causes intense negative emotions in individuals, impacting their mental and physical well-being. The chronic stress from political engagement raises concerns about the long-term effects on people's lives and the democratic institution.
Impact of Political Environment on Mental Health
Researchers explore how political stress affects mental health, finding alarming associations between politics and negative outcomes. National surveys indicate that politics is not only a significant source of stress but also leads to sleep disturbances and regrettable social media behavior. Astonishingly, thoughts of suicide related to politics have been reported, indicating a detrimental impact on mental and physical well-being.
Political Stress and Coping Strategies
Individuals adopt strategies to cope with political stress, often resorting to disengagement to manage negative emotions. While effective for daily stressors, disengagement from politics can lead to reduced civic engagement. Emotions play a crucial role in motivating political action, highlighting the trade-offs between emotional management strategies and active participation in political processes.
Genetics, Ideology, and Political Attitudes
Research suggests that political attitudes, including conservatism and liberalism, have a genetic basis, influencing individuals' ideologies. Studies on twins and genetic associations indicate the heritability of political beliefs. Understanding the genetic influence on political attitudes sheds light on individual differences in political behavior and ideologies.
If the thought of the upcoming election sends your stress level through the roof, you’re not alone. Psychologist Brett Q. Ford, PhD, and political scientist Kevin Smith, PhD, talk about how political stress affects people’s well-being; what high levels of political stress mean for people’s lives, for the U.S. and for democracy; and how to stay politically engaged while still maintaining your mental health.