Managing Political Emotions: Addressing the Impact of Political News and Polarisation on Mental Health and Well-Being (POLEMO)

General Overview

The POLEMO project seeks to explore the emotional impact of political news and propose strategies to mitigate polarisation's negative effects on mental health and well-being. By examining the complex interplay between politics, emotions, and individual well-being, POLEMO aims to address pressing questions such as: “How do politics affect our emotions?” and “How can we break the cycle of division and toxicity in political discourse?”

Purpose and Significance

Research shows that political news and events often evoke negative emotions, such as anxiety and stress, which can significantly reduce psychological well-being. Studies also suggest a link between heightened perceptions of political polarisation and increased rates of depression and sleep disorders.

This emotional toll is particularly significant for younger people, who are not only in the process of shaping their worldviews but are also highly exposed to social media—a known amplifier of negativity and division. Political disagreements can easily escalate into personal conflicts, deepening affective polarisation.

POLEMO seeks to answer key questions:

  1. What emotions are triggered by political news among members of the university community, and how do these emotions affect their well-being and happiness?

  2. How does engagement with political news influence emotional states?

  3. What personal narratives emerge regarding the emotional impact of political news?

  4. Can intergroup contact help reduce affective polarisation?

By addressing these questions, POLEMO aims to foster a more emotionally balanced approach to political engagement.

Implementation Method and Timeline

POLEMO will be conducted through a series of carefully designed activities:

  • Expert Interviews: International psychologists, sociologists, and political scientists specialising in emotion management and polarisation will be interviewed to develop an initial report outlining strategies and theoretical frameworks.
  • Focus Groups: These sessions will guide the creation of a survey questionnaire and provide in-depth insights into the emotional impact of political news.
  • Anonymous Online Survey: Students from participating institutions will be invited to share their experiences and perspectives through a secure online platform.
  • 2-Day Seminar: A collaborative seminar will bring together stakeholders, social partners, young researchers, students, and leading experts to exchange ideas, discuss findings, and share strategies for managing the emotional effects of politics and addressing polarisation.

Expected Outcomes

POLEMO aims to deliver:

  • An open-access guide offering practical strategies to prevent the negative emotional impact of politics.
  • User-friendly, open-access databases containing both quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Two peer-reviewed, open-access academic papers to disseminate findings to academia and society.
  • Contributions to education through two Final Degree Projects and two Master’s Final Projects.

By achieving these outcomes, POLEMO will equip individuals with tools to navigate the emotional challenges of political engagement and promote healthier, more inclusive dialogues within the university community and beyond.

Contact:

José Miguel Rojo-Martínez, University of Murcia