As next year’s presidential election dominates headlines, Americans continue to be concerned about the political differences that divide us and the tone of political discourse in the United States. A May 2019 Pew Research Center pollopens in new window found that 85% of Americans believe that political debate has become less respectful in recent years, and 76% believe it has become less fact-based.
Those political differences and the factors underlying them are challenges that psychologists are skilled at understanding and addressing. We have the knowledge and tools to help begin to bridge divisions in our society. This month’s cover story looks at research in this domain, particularly research by political psychologists that explores the individual motivations driving party affiliation and helps explain voting patterns (see "Politics is personal"). Such research can be a starting point for helping Americans understand their political differences and discuss them in civil, productive ways—a topic APA has championed in recent years. Last fall, working with the National Institute for Civil Discourse, APA co-hosted “A National Conversation on Civilityopens in new window,” where I spoke with psychologists and political commentators about why civility is a necessary foundation for solving our nation’s major challenges. We have also focused on enhancing civility in the association itself. For instance, in 2017, APA’s Council of Representatives adopted civility guidelines to promote a climate of respect and inclusion throughout the association, helping us discuss our inevitable differences of opinion—political or otherwise—in collegial ways.
Only by working together in these ways can we effectively address society’s most pressing problems. Opening our minds and learning about one another’s diverse beliefs and experiences is key to ensuring people are open to our research and knowledge, regardless of their political affiliation, racial or ethnic background, age, or gender. That’s our stance in launching a collaboration with Farm Aid to help address the mental health crisis in rural and farming communities. This work will educate psychologists about the unique stressors and mental health needs facing rural America, and increase our ability to address them.
By helping us to understand one another better, APA—and psychology—can be a positive force to bring people together to improve our society.
