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Compassion in Politics

A message for all of us from across the pond...

Compassion has the power to change politics for good. From inequality to homelessness, divisions over Brexit to refugees dying at sea - imagine how these issues would be tackled if compassion was the main motivation of decision-makers.

Yet compassion has been edged out of the political debate, replaced by a politics of fear, anger, and divisions and a narrative which emphasises individual success over collective well-being and happiness.

And yet, when we look at ourselves and our lives it seems pretty obvious that we are so much more than that. We love, care, volunteer, help and support. Our proudest political achievements…

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Featured

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According to research published by the American Psychological Association, the daily stress of keeping up with political news can have a detrimental impact on individuals’ mental health and well-being, however, the act of disengaging also comes with consequences.

Articles of Interest

Compassion in Action: Humanizing Politics and Inspiring Global Change

In an increasingly globalized world, where human suffering is more visible than ever, compassion offers us a compass: a way of being that points us toward promoting cooperation, fostering trust, ameliorating conflict, enabling human flourishing and healing the environment.

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Election Stress Disorder Is A Thing — Here’s How To Cope

With the right tools, though, we can protect ourselves from the damaging effects of ESD. It just takes intention and commitment. Ahead, we lay out ten strategies that are designed to help ease your tension.

Presidential Elections May Be Bad for Your Health

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Reading Too Much Political News Is Bad for Your Well-Being

Obsessing over politics could hurt your happiness and your relationships.

Today’s Politics May Be Bad for Your Health

Citizens in a new study blame U.S. politics for stress, depression, lost sleep and other physical and mental problems.

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The U.S. is the only established democracy where the level of social trust is falling instead of rising. Our political leaders can help turn the tide.

American Politics Are Bad For Your Health

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Is Ideology Bad For Health? Why Political Partisanship Should Be Asked On Population Health Surveys

Better understanding the mechanisms through which partisanship/ideology affects health behaviors and outcomes enables public health practitioners to develop policies and targeted public health messages to appeal to particular political persuasions and ideological objections.

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Maintaining a Healthy Balance of Fair and Balanced

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Politics and health

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Politics is personal

Research by political psychologists helps to explain why we vote the way we do—and is informing ways to improve democratic elections.

Public Health is Always Political

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Public Health Is Political

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This is why you get worked up about politics, according to science

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Resources

7 psychological concepts that explain the Trump era of politics

American politics can seem baffling. Psychology is here to help.

Compassion in Politics

A cross-party organisation working to put compassion, inclusion, and cooperation at the heart of politics.