After a contentious election campaign, a survey of American adults reveals that a majority want to avoid political discussions, and for some, family members with whom they disagree, during vacation.

“Leading up to the 2024 presidential election, many Americans have faced prolonged worry and uncertainty, which can have a significant impact on our well-being and relationships,” said American Psychological CEO Association (APA), Dr. Arthur C Evans Jr.

“Avoiding conflict is not the same as deal with stress. If we distance ourselves from others because of anticipated disagreements, we risk losing the relationships and communities that are crucial to our well-being, especially in times of stress. »

Before the election, APA’s America 2024 Stress Survey found that more than three-quarters of adults (77%) said the nation’s future was a significant source of stress in their lives.

To see how this may have changed after the election, The Harris Poll conducted a survey on behalf of the APA of more than 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older between November 25 and 27, 2024.

The survey finds that more than a third of adults (35 percent) say they are more stressed about the nation’s future now than in the run-up to the election – and another third now say they are less stressed (32 percent). hundred).

Meanwhile, about a quarter of adults (24 percent) said their stress about the nation’s future was unchanged and 9 percent said they were not stressed about the nation’s future at then or today.

It’s time to forget politics

The vast majority of people (83 percent) agree that the holidays are a time to forget about political differences, regardless of whether their favorite candidate won or lost the election or whether they feel more or less stressed about the future of our nation now than they were. before the elections.

Despite political and societal tensions that may linger after the election, more than 7 in 10 adults (71%) said celebrating the holidays this year would be a welcome distraction from their stress.

“Despite the tensions before the elections“People have consistently shown that they value meaningful relationships with friends and family over political disagreements,” Evans said.

“While conversations about politics and other sensitive topics can be difficult, seeking to understand different perspectives can strengthen and enrich our relationships.”

Tips for Sensitive Conversations

The APA offers the following tips for people wanting to manage sensitive conversations during the holidays:

• Be open and kind. Listen and ask questions to help you understand the other person, not to craft a counterargument.
• Find areas where you agree. You may disagree on certain topics but share the same underlying values.
• Accept that you cannot change the other person’s mind. Instead, use the conversation as an opportunity to talk about your own experiences.
• Remember that the holidays are meant to bring people together, not keep them apart, and focus on the good memories you and your family members have in common.
• Know when to end the conversation. If you get upset, try taking deep breaths, changing the topic of conversation, or suggesting another activity, but emphasize that you value the relationship you share with the other person.