How politics shapes behaviour and mental health

In the intricate web of global politics, decisions made by influential leaders often extend beyond national borders, shaping the socio-political and psychological landscapes of communities worldwide. A pertinent example is the series of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump, which not only reshaped domestic policies but also sent ripples across the international community. To understand the breadth of these impacts, we turn to behavioural political science — a field that examines the interplay between human behaviour and political processes.

This interdisciplinary approach offers a nuanced understanding of how policies can trigger psychological and behavioural responses both within a nation and globally. Four reflections emerge when considering the impact of political decisions on human behaviour: policy-induced uncertainty, trust erosion, heightened political anxiety, and the broader health implications of political stress.

Policy-induced uncertainty

The case of healthcare disruptions

One of Trump’s executive orders temporarily suspended USAID funding for a 90-day review period, leading to the closure of clinics in developing countries and disrupting essential services such as HIV treatments and contraceptive distribution. This sudden withdrawal of support had immediate physical health consequences, but it also induced significant psychological distress among affected populations. The fear and uncertainty stemming from the loss of critical healthcare services exemplify how policy decisions can have profound emotional and behavioural repercussions.

Dr. Carole Sekimpi of MSI Reproductive Choices highlighted the psychological impact, stating, “The interruption is sowing distrust and destroying a critical ecosystem of reproductive health.” The erosion of access to healthcare fosters anxiety, making individuals less likely to seek medical attention in the future due to fear of continued instability. Over time, such disruptions create long-term behavioural shifts, including decreased utilisation of healthcare services and heightened scepticism toward international aid.

Trust erosion and the social fabric

Beyond the immediate effects of policy changes, such decisions can also corrode trust in government and institutions. Trust is a fundamental component of social cohesion, and once it is compromised, behavioural changes emerge. When policies abruptly change, people may feel that the government is unreliable, fostering a sense of disillusionment that extends to other areas of public life.

The rise of political anxiety and societal implications

Domestically, executive orders and abrupt policy shifts have contributed to heightened political anxiety among Americans. The American Psychological Association’s 2024 Stress in America survey revealed that 77 percent of adults view the nation’s future as a significant source of stress. This pervasive anxiety can influence individual behaviours, prompting either increased political engagement or, conversely, withdrawal from civic activities due to feelings of helplessness.

Political psychologist Dr. Kevin Smith noted, “Political anxiety is a source of chronic stress that differs from general anxiety, uniquely impacting emotional well-being and societal cohesion.” When individuals feel a loss of control over political events, they may retreat into echo chambers, reinforcing their preexisting beliefs and deepening societal polarisation. This polarisation further exacerbates tensions between political factions, fuelling a cycle of mistrust and hostility that diminishes the potential for constructive discourse.

A February 2024 Pew poll found that 65 percent of U.S. adults always or often felt exhausted by political developments, while 55 percent reported frequent feelings of anger. Research suggests that this distress is not merely an emotional response but also has tangible effects on health and behaviour, influencing everything from sleep patterns to workplace productivity.

The health implications of political stress

The intersection of politics and mental health has gained increasing attention in recent years. Chronic stress, a well-documented risk factor for numerous health conditions, is now being linked to political anxiety. Studies show that political stress can lead to increased cortisol levels, sleep disturbances, and even cardiovascular issues.

“There is a considerable and growing amount of evidence that politics is having a negative effect on a broad range of health outcomes,” said Dr. Kevin B. Smith, a professor of political science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “This is coming from different scholars using different data, approaches, and measures, and it all triangulates on the same inference: Politics isn’t very good for us.”

Dr. Brett Ford, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, has studied the link between emotions and political engagement, noting that for many people, politics functions as a chronic stressor. “In national surveys, close to half of U.S. adults say politics is a significant source of stress, citing problems such as lost sleep, shortened tempers, and obsessive thoughts,” Ford explained.

A path forward 

Managing the psychological toll of politics

As politics continues to shape behavioural and psychological responses worldwide, it becomes imperative to develop coping strategies that mitigate its negative effects. Researchers suggest that fostering media literacy, engaging in constructive political discussions, and practicing stress-reduction techniques can help individuals manage political anxiety. Additionally, governments and institutions must recognise the psychological impact of their policies and work to rebuild public trust through transparency and stability.

Political decisions, whether domestic or international, do not occur in a vacuum. They shape public behaviour, influence mental health, and redefine societal norms. As the field of behavioural political science continues to explore these dynamics, understanding the broader implications of policy decisions remains crucial for fostering resilience in an increasingly complex political landscape.

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