Elephants, Donkeys, and Liberal Therapists: Young Conservatives and Mental Health

Green Tea Party Radio

In this episode we discuss why conservatives report being happier than liberals. They explore several reasons including the role of religiosity, community, and values such as stability, personal responsibility, and agency. The conversation touches on the impact of being proactive and having a sense of control over one's life as factors contributing to conservatives' happiness. They suggest that conservative ideology may also foster resilience to adversity and a more constructive response to societal issues like inequality and climate change. Moreover, they critique liberal approaches to activism, emphasizing the need for actionable and lasting changes over symbolic gestures. Katie and Hannah argue that personal responsibility is crucial in environmentalism, promoting individual action rather than succumbing to feelings of futility.

They said what??

"How is chanting something that y'all made up on the way here in the car conducive to long-term change?" -Katie

"There's a lot of data to back up that conservatives are generally happier than liberals are. I mean, I've had my own mental health struggles in my life, and I'm sure you have too, Katie, but just knowing that conservatives tend to be a little bit happier than liberals kind of makes me wonder, why is that?" -Hannah

"Conservative people believe that what they do matters and there's less of a sense of futility. And I feel like that's a really valuable asset when it comes to climate change." -Hannah

Important Links

• How to Understand the Well-Being Gap between Liberals and Conservatives by Musa al-Gharbi (American Affairs Journal)

The article discusses the well-documented well-being gap between liberals and conservatives, focusing on the influence of political ideology on mental health. It explores the reasons behind this gap and the potential impact of the "Great Awokening," a cultural shift towards progressive ideals, on the mental well-being of both liberals and conservatives. The article suggests that while liberalism correlates with higher rates of mental distress, conservatism tends to promote happiness and meaning in life. It examines possible factors, such as genetics, biology, and the influence of liberal ideology on mental health.

Key Points:

1. Conservatives Are Happier: The article highlights a consistent trend in happiness levels, with conservatives generally reporting higher levels of happiness and meaning in their lives compared to liberals. This pattern extends across different age groups and geographical contexts.
2. Possible Explanations for the Happiness Gap: Several theories are presented to explain why conservatives tend to be happier. These include the influence of religiosity, patriotism, marriage, attractiveness, health, and cognitive ability. Some suggest that conservatives' focus on personal responsibility and agency contributes to their happiness.
3. Challenges to the Privilege Narrative: The article challenges the idea that the happiness gap is solely due to privilege, as wealth increasingly correlates with liberal political views. Immigrants, minorities, and senior citizens, who may not fit the privilege narrative, also experience happiness benefits from conservatism.
4. Resilience and Adversity: Conservatism and related factors like religiosity and patriotism may help individuals make sense of and respond constructively to adversity and inequality, regardless of their social standing.

In summary, the article explores the persistent happiness gap between conservatives and liberals, offering various perspectives on why this gap exists and challenging the notion that privilege alone explains the difference in well-being. It suggests that conservatism and related ideologies may provide individuals with tools to navigate challenges and maintain happiness, especially in the face of adversity.

• Politics seep into daily life, negatively affecting mental health (American Psychological Association)

The article discusses research published by the American Psychological Association that examines the impact of daily political news on people's mental health and well-being, as well as the potential trade-offs between personal well-being and political engagement. Here's a summary of the key points and action steps someone can take to look after their mental health in the context of political stress:

Summary:

- Daily exposure to political news can negatively affect individuals' mental health and well-being.

- While strategies like distracting oneself from political news can help manage negative emotions, they may reduce motivation to engage in political causes.

- The study found that thinking about daily political events often evokes negative emotions, leading to worse psychological and physical health but greater motivation to take political action.

- Strategies such as distraction and cognitive reappraisal can help manage negative emotions, but they may indirectly reduce the desire to participate in political activities.

- Politics has a significant daily impact on many Americans' health and well-being.

- Activists and individuals need to find strategies to protect their own well-being without compromising collective well-being.

• Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to change our politics for the better. Through community gatherings, real debates, and grassroots leaders working together, we’re offering America what it needs to overcome the bitterness of our partisan divide.

How to Take Care of Yourself in the Midst of Partisan Politics

Conservatives concerned about environmental issues face unique challenges in a predominantly liberal age group. To be effective advocates for their beliefs and well-being, they should consider the following specific considerations:

1. Educate Yourself: Ensure you have a strong understanding of conservative environmental policies and principles. This will enable you to articulate your views clearly and engage in informed discussions.
2. Seek Like-Minded Communities: Look for conservative environmental groups or organizations where you can connect with individuals who share your beliefs and values. This can provide a supportive community and opportunities for collaboration.
3. Bridge Building: Consider finding common ground with liberals on environmental issues. Emphasize shared goals like clean air and water, conservation, and sustainable resource management to foster productive discussions.
4. Resilience and Self-Care: Understand that advocating for a less mainstream position can be emotionally taxing. Practice self-care and resilience-building techniques to maintain your well-being in the face of potential alienation or criticism.
5. Effective Communication: Hone your communication skills to effectively convey your conservative environmental stance. Focus on presenting evidence-based arguments and framing issues in a way that resonates with your audience.
6. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of current environmental developments, research, and policy changes. Being well-informed allows you to respond to new information and adapt your advocacy efforts accordingly.
7. Advocate for Conservative Solutions: Actively promote conservative policies and solutions for environmental challenges. Be prepared to propose and support initiatives that align with your beliefs.
8. Build Alliances: Seek opportunities to collaborate with individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds who share your environmental concerns. Building alliances can amplify your advocacy efforts.
9. Respect Differences: Recognize that people have varying perspectives, and it's essential to respect differing viewpoints even when engaging in passionate debates about environmental issues.
10. Persistence: Understand that advocacy for conservative environmentalism may require persistence and a long-term commitment. Change often takes time, and perseverance can lead to positive outcomes.
11. Lead by Example: Demonstrate your commitment to conservative environmental values through personal actions, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable practices in your daily life.
12. Stay True to Your Values: Don't compromise your core beliefs to fit in with a particular group or ideology. Authenticity in your advocacy is crucial.

Remember that advocating for conservative environmentalism in a predominantly liberal environment can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity to contribute a unique perspective to the conversation. By taking care of yourself and staying committed to your values, you can be a more effective advocate for conservative environmental principles.