Surveys show the presidential election is putting pressure on relationships with friends, family and romantic partners. Mental health experts discuss how to handle election stressors.
The presidential election is already stressful for most Americans – and these stressors can trickle down into relationships.
A new poll from the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 77% of Americans believe the future of our nation is a „significant source of stress“, along with the economy (73%) and the upcoming election (69%).
The „Stress in America“ online survey, which polled 3,000 U.S. adults of different political affiliations in August 2024, analyzed potential fallout from election results, including in our own relationships.
About one-third (32%) of adults said the political climate has caused a strain between themselves and family members, while 30% have limited their time spent with family members who don’t share the same values.
Half of U.S. adults admitted that tensions around social and political topics make them want to connect less with others, and 28% claimed they have „nothing in common“ with people who have different political opinions.
Another August 2024 survey by LifeStance Health – a mental health care network headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona – found that 44% of Americans have experienced conflicts in their personal lives due to political or election-related discussions.
Almost a quarter of the 1,052 surveyed adults had considered ending a friendship due to opposing political views, and 18% had done so.‘Political compatibility’
Political affiliation can also come into play when it comes to dating.
The APA found that 46% of adults would not date someone with different political opinions, split almost evenly between men and women.
Half of Gen Z respondents in LifeStance’s survey said they consider „political compatibility“ to be an important factor in dating, compared to 42% of millennials, 31% of Gen X and 29% of baby boomers.
