The role of negative affect in shaping populist support: converging field evidence from across the globe

Published in: American Psychologist — 25 July 2024

Written by

George Ward, H. Andrew Schwartz, Salvatore Giorgi, Jochen I. Menges, and Sandra C. Matz

Summary

What we found: Negative affect, including emotions like fear, anger, depression, and sadness, significantly predicts populist attitudes and voting behaviors. This relationship was consistent across various contexts, including global surveys, European elections, the U.K. Brexit referendum, and U.S. presidential elections.

Why it matters: These findings highlight the emotional drivers behind the rising support for populism, indicating that negative emotions are not just personal experiences but are politically consequential. Understanding this connection can help explain recent political shifts and the growing appeal of populist movements.

What next: Organizations and leaders can use these insights to develop strategies that address the underlying emotional triggers fueling populism. This might include crafting political communication that acknowledges and addresses these emotions or implementing social policies aimed at mitigating the factors contributing to widespread negative affect. Additionally, fostering public discourse that promotes emotional resilience and understanding could help counteract the appeal of populist narratives.