Van Bavel, J. J., & Pereira, A. (2018).
Trends in cognitive sciences, 22(3), 213–224.
Abstract
Democracies assume accurate knowledge by the populace, but the human attraction to fake and untrustworthy news poses a serious problem for healthy democratic functioning. We articulate why and how identification with political parties - known as partisanship - can bias information processing in the human brain. There is extensive evidence that people engage in motivated political reasoning, but recent research suggests that partisanship can alter memory, implicit evaluation, and even perceptual judgments. We propose an identity-based model of belief for understanding the influence of partisanship on these cognitive processes. This framework helps to explain why people place party loyalty over policy, and even over truth. Finally, we discuss strategies for de-biasing information processing to help to create a shared reality across partisan divides.
Here are some thoughts:
Political beliefs are deeply intertwined with personal and social identities, influencing cognitive processes and emotional responses. For clinical psychologists, recognizing that political beliefs serve to affirm one's group membership and self-concept is crucial. This understanding helps in identifying cognitive biases that favor one's political in-group, which can affect patients' relationships and well-being. Cognitive restructuring can aid patients in achieving more balanced perspectives and reducing conflicts in politically charged situations.
Political beliefs often evoke strong emotional reactions due to their ties to identity and self-worth, leading to heightened anxiety, anger, or distress when encountering opposing views. Clinical psychologists can help patients manage these emotions by validating their feelings and teaching emotional regulation strategies such as mindfulness and distress tolerance. This can enable patients to engage more constructively in political discussions and mitigate the psychological impact of political polarization.
In therapy, addressing the influence of political identity can enhance empathy and self-awareness. Psychologists can guide patients in exploring how their political beliefs align with their core values, reducing identity-driven conflicts. Promoting open, non-judgmental communication can help patients navigate political differences in their personal and social lives, improving relationships and reducing the emotional toll of polarization. By incorporating these insights, clinical psychologists can better support their patients in understanding the role of political identity in their cognitive and emotional processes.
