Fearful? Angry? New Study Shows Extreme Affective Polarization is Automatic

Researchers examine the surprising rise of affective polarization among American partisans. Using implicit, explicit, and behavioral measures, they demonstrate how negative feelings toward opposing parties have become ingrained.

Implicit & Explicit Bias Measures:

• Implicit (automatic) hostility toward the out-party is common in voters' minds.
• Affective polarization based on party is nearly as strong as racial polarization.

Behavioral Consequences:

• Partisans show discrimination against opposing partisans, sometimes exceeding racial divides.
• This animosity increases because norms against openly expressing negative sentiment are weak.

The findings suggest that partisan feelings shape political behavior in powerful ways.