Q&A: ‘Highly charged’ political environment, election sources of stress for US adults

Key takeaways:

• Focusing on what one can control is key to reducing stress and anxiety, particularly during an election season.
• Constructive political conversations depend on creating a safe, understanding environment.

According to a recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 77% of more than 3,000 U.S. adult respondents reported feeling stressed about the future of the nation, with 69% stressed about the upcoming election.

Healio spoke with Lynn Bufka, PhD, ABPP, the APA’s deputy chief of professional practice, for insight and advice to quell feelings of stress and unease as election season draws to a close.

Healio: Are you surprised there appears to be more election stress or anxiety this year compared with 2016 and 2020?

Bufka: We saw a large jump in the number of people reporting stress related to the presidential election between 2016 and 2020. Stress levels related to the election are similar now than to 2020 when in addition to a divisive political climate we also were dealing with the midst of COVID.

What’s clear is that the political environment is highly charged and this is causing stress for many Americans. Elections by their very nature mean that change is happening and it takes time before an outcome is known (ie, the start of campaigning to voting to counting of votes), which can cause uncertainty. We know that uncertainty can drive stress. This is particularly the case during an election like this one that is predicted to be extremely close, where deep polarization of viewpoints dominates the discourse.

Healio: How can those who are stressed about the upcoming election best deal with their feelings?

Bufka: Psychological science teaches us how we can cope with circumstances where we feel powerless, which includes several key concepts like focusing on what you can control, avoiding dwelling on things you can’t control, limiting or moderating exposure to election information and related sources of stress, and deciding when and how you will access election information and sticking with your plan.

One can also work on engaging in meaningful activities: contribute or volunteer with causes or organizations that align with your values and your hopes for your community, regardless of who is elected; stay socially connected and active; or seek solace in faith-based and other community organizations.

It will also be helpful to realize that we might not know all the election results on Election Day itself.

Healio: How can parents or guardians of children and adolescents help them deal with election-related stress or anxiety?

Bufka: First of all, parents or guardians appropriately managing their own stress and anxiety is one of the most important things adults can do.

Children and adolescents are aware of adults’ moods and responses but might not always know what is causing them. Talking with them about what you are feeling, why you are feeling it and what you are doing about it in age-appropriate ways is also important, as children and adolescents may presume that they are causing or contributing to stress when they have no other explanations for their parents’ or guardians’ behaviors and moods.

Second, be careful not to impose your notions of stress onto children and adolescents. Are they feeling stressed themselves or are they mirroring your stress? This will vary based on how informed children and adolescents are and how much they are exposed to election-related content. Invite their questions and observations and have conversations that center on your family’s values and actions. Use the election as an opportunity to teach them about actions you and they can take and how to be an informed and responsible citizen.

Healio: What strategies can you suggest for family members with different political opinions to keep the peace during election season?

Bufka: Political discussions can be difficult, but when we avoid these experiences, we do not give ourselves the opportunity to overcome our fear or to understand different perspectives.

If you want constructive political conversations across political lines, there are two things you need to do: understand the person you’re speaking with and help them feel safe and understood. You cannot have a successful political conversation if your goal is to “win.”

Healio: What advice do you have for those who may become anxious or uneasy after Election Day due to the results?

Bufka: Know that it might be some days before we have final, confirmed election results. After you have voted, try to set aside speculation about outcomes and the potential meaning of your less desired outcome.

Definitely do not continuously refresh news sources, as information does not change that quickly. Instead, practice those strategies that help to reduce your uneasiness — walks in nature, talks with a close friend, yoga and exercise, tackling an avoided cleaning project — something that can redirect some of your tense energy and thoughts during a period when you have to wait.

Once the results come in, try not to create catastrophic possibilities in your mind of what could be, but rather focus on the constructive ways you can contribute to addressing the issues at hand.

Try not to contribute to any continued polarizing discourse while remaining true to shared values such as ensuring safe neighborhoods, education for all our children and access to opportunities.

Reference:

• APA poll: Future of nation, economy and presidential election top U.S. stressors. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2024/10/top-us-stressors. Published Oct. 22, 2024. Accessed Oct. 23, 2024.