With the 2024 U.S. presidential election underway, Americans are feeling increasingly stressed about politics. It’s been a tumultuous election season, with assassination attempts, a late-breaking candidate change, debate drama, and legal battles.
More than 7 in 10 adults said the future of the nation (77%) is a significant source of stress in their lives, with the economy (73%) and the 2024 U.S. presidential election (69%) following closely behind, according to APA’s latest Stress in America survey.
When political polarization is high, the consequences for our personal relationships are significant. Around a third of adults said the political climate has caused strain for them and their family members, while 30% said they limit their time with family because they don’t share the same values.
Psychological science can provide effective coping strategies around political anxiety and help foster positive social connections to mitigate the adverse impact of stress. APA offers these resources for people who are experiencing tension tied to the presidential election:
- The impact of election stress: Is political anxiety harming your health?
Psychological science indicates that politics can harm our physical and mental health, but that the positive aspects of political engagement can lead to greater well-being. The election may be a source of stress for more U.S. adults this year, but people said they also plan to volunteer and contribute more to causes they value, according to APA’s Stress in America survey. Fifty-one percent of adults planned to do so, compared with 45% prior to the 2020 presidential election. - How to cope with political stress this election season, with Brett Q. Ford, PhD, and Kevin Smith, PhD
On this Speaking of Psychology podcast episode, a psychologist and political scientist talk about what high levels of political stress mean for people’s lives, for the United States, and for democracy, and how to stay politically engaged while still maintaining your mental health. - The psychology behind our political divide, with Keith Payne, PhD
Payne delves into whether polarization is worse than it used to be, and what, if anything, we can we do to bridge the divide. - Managing conversations when you disagree politically
These tips to guide conversations about sensitive topics in a more positive direction could help you keep your family and friends close during a divisive time.
It is critical to keep in mind that the results of this year’s election may not be decided quickly. Research shows people react differently to uncertainty—that those with a higher intolerance for uncertainty may be less resilient and more prone to low mood, negative or down feelings, and anxiety. Psychologists have found there are simple steps we can take to build our resilience in uncertain times. Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, the transition of power and rapid speed of political change may also cause stress and anxiety. APA offers several steps you can take to manage stress in times of political change.
Parents should be mindful of the fact that children may need guidance to effectively manage their emotions, cope with friends who think differently than they do, and respond to comments they disagree with or find upsetting. APA offers strategies for parents and caregivers when it comes to talking to children about the election. And if kids seem to be experiencing their own anxiety around the election, APA’s Magination Press books “Avocado Feels a Pit Worried: A Story About Facing Your Fears,” and “What to Do When the News Scares You: A Kid’s Guide to Understanding Current Events” may also be a helpful resource.
