Endless streams of political commercials flooding TV screens. Spirited social media sparring between friends and families over candidates and key issues.
Less than three weeks remain until Election Day, and many people still feel stressed. But people can lower their election anxiety by refocusing their attention on other aspects of their lives, says University of Michigan psychology professor David Dunning.
What causes election anxiety and how much does social impact it?
People’s political beliefs have become closer to their self-identity than in the past. So, the election isn’t so much about world events as it is about us, what we identify with and whether our values are validated. Classic signs of anxiety include irritability, fatigue and rumination about the election. Social media contributes to this: Viral stories tend to poke at our emotions, particularly negative ones like anger, fear and contempt. This all stokes anxiety.
How should people handle situations where we know a friend or relative holds an opposing view?
If you’re going to interact with someone who disagrees with you, do not immediately dismiss their opinion. Acknowledge it and be respectful. You often can identify reasons why a person would think in a certain way, and then gently mention that you see it differently. We’re all struggling to reach the right answer—and what the right answer is we may not know it yet.
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