The poll, conducted online from Sept. 4 to 6 among 2,000 Americans, highlights the emotional toll the election season is taking on the nation, with 46 percent of respondents reporting heightened anxiety, 37 percent experiencing stress and 31 percent grappling with fear.
According to the survey, this election-related anxiety has been evident among younger generations. For instance, 66 percent of Gen Z reveal that the election has negatively impacted their mental health, compared to 64 percent of millennials and 63 percent of Gen X. Baby boomers, however, seem more resilient, with 56 percent noting at least some negative impact.
In line with this, younger Americans are reporting notable drops in productivity, with 53 percent of Gen Z and 42 percent of millennials experiencing negative effects on work or school performance due to political stress, compared to 24 percent of Gen X and 10 percent of baby boomers. (Related: GALLUP POLL: Americans trust in mass media falls to record-low of 31%.)
Social media also contributes to election-related stress, particularly among younger voters. Approximately 40 percent of respondents say they feel overwhelmed by political content on platforms such as news outlets (26 percent), YouTube (23 percent), TikTok (19 percent) and Instagram (16 percent). In response, 44 percent of Americans are avoiding the news and 26 percent have cut back on social media usage, with another six percent entirely opting out.
Opinions on the effects of social media on democracy are mixed: 40 percent feel it harms the process, while 29 percent believe it can help voters make informed choices. Gen Z (45 percent) and millennials (36 percent) were the most likely to believe that social media offers some benefit to the democratic process. In contrast, baby boomers (51 percent) and Gen X (41 percent) were more inclined to view social media as harmful to democracy, a view shared by 33 percent of millennials and 24 percent of Gen Z.
The timing of the election right before the holiday season has further escalated stress levels, with 44 percent of Americans feeling anxious about spending time with family and friends due to potential political disagreements. Gen Z (60 percent) respondents expressed the highest anxiety due to family-related election tensions this holiday season, followed by millennials (54 percent), Gen X (44 percent) and baby boomers (28 percent).
Spann: 2024 election anxiety stems from past post-election events
Dr. Rufus Tony Spann, a certified school psychologist and licensed professional counselor, shared insights into these feelings and described election anxiety as "a natural response to the significant decisions we are asked to make."
"I think election day anxiety is a natural response to the significant decisions we are asked to make," said Spann, a Forbes Health Advisory Board member. He then explained that for some individuals, this anxiety stems from past post-election events. "I believe some people's anxiety comes from past post-election results. Based on the results of previous elections, some communities felt they needed to prepare for the backlash due to the results of an election."
Spann pointed out how common signs of anxiety manifest physically and emotionally "In my opinion, anxiety can manifest in our bodies, decision-making, and emotions. One way to know if anxiety is manifesting in our bodies is to be aware of how our bodies react to political decision-making. Does your body become tense, and your breathing become shallow? Although these don't have to be exact signs, they could be responses to the political situation."
He encouraged voters to take a proactive approach to mitigate election anxiety. "Addressing election anxiety means you can actively participate in having a choice. By taking the steps to register to vote, becoming knowledgeable of the candidates and voting, you are taking an active stance in this process. This empowerment can help alleviate some of the anxiety," he said.
"After getting clarity by relaxing the mind and body, give yourself the space to make a decision you feel comfortable with. Remember, your well-being is crucial, and taking a break from stress can help you make a more informed decision."
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