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Moderating political polarization through affect labeling: An experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Pedro Hemsley

    (UFRJ)

  • Lynda Pavão

    (State University of Rio de Janeiro)

Abstract

Affect labelling, the process of putting feelings into words, has been shown to have a calming effect on the brain. This study examines the impact of affect labelling on political polarization over Covid-mitigation measures, an emotionally-charged topic that led to large differences of opinion. We conducted an online experiment in which participants in a treatment group, randomly assigned, underwent a questionnaire to label their feelings before reporting their opinions. We found that affect labeling reduced polarization for young individuals, up to the age of 29, a demographic characterized by intense emotional responses due to increased activity in the amygdala, the region of the brain whose activity is reduced by affect labeling.

Suggested Citation

  • Pedro Hemsley & Lynda Pavão, 2025. "Moderating political polarization through affect labeling: An experiment," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 45(1), pages 321-331.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-25-00133
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    File URL: http://www.accessecon.com/Pubs/EB/2025/Volume45/EB-25-V45-I1-P30.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Affect labeling; Political polarization; Covid-19;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D7 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making
    • C9 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments

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