
The Anxious State
Stress, Polarization, and Elections in America
Wiley (Publisher)
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 4. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-1-394-36517-3 (ISBN)
Description
An exploration of how politics is undermining Americans' mental health
The Anxious State: Stress, Polarization, and Elections in America examines the increasing political stress and emotional polarization in the United States. It examines the physiological toll of exposure to political conflict, the role of media and social media in heightening anxiety, and the strain on personal relationships caused by polarization. The authors argue that politics has moved from the periphery of American life into its most intimate spaces, creating a state of heightened vigilance and emotional exhaustion. The Anxious State:
Examines the empirical health and stress impacts of politics in America today
Reports original data from a year-long series of surveys examining political stress and polarization during the 2024 election
Offers insights into the relationship between political stress and anxiety, generational cohort, and media consumption
An excellent text for both academic and general audiences, fits with curricula on political science, political behavior, political psychology, and political communications.
The Anxious State: Stress, Polarization, and Elections in America examines the increasing political stress and emotional polarization in the United States. It examines the physiological toll of exposure to political conflict, the role of media and social media in heightening anxiety, and the strain on personal relationships caused by polarization. The authors argue that politics has moved from the periphery of American life into its most intimate spaces, creating a state of heightened vigilance and emotional exhaustion. The Anxious State:
Examines the empirical health and stress impacts of politics in America today
Reports original data from a year-long series of surveys examining political stress and polarization during the 2024 election
Offers insights into the relationship between political stress and anxiety, generational cohort, and media consumption
An excellent text for both academic and general audiences, fits with curricula on political science, political behavior, political psychology, and political communications.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 139 mm
Width: 215 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
264 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-394-36517-3 (9781394365173)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Stephen Neely | Kevin B. Smith | Savannah Havird
The Anxious State
Stress, Polarization, and Elections in America
E-Book
01/2026
1st Edition
Wiley
€39.99
Available for download

Stephen Neely | Kevin B. Smith | Savannah Havird
The Anxious State
Stress, Polarization, and Elections in America
E-Book
01/2026
1st Edition
Wiley
€39.99
Available for download
Persons
Stephen Neely, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of South Florida. He is Director of the School's Master's program in Public Administration, a Senior Faculty Fellow with the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, and an Academic Program Director with the Florida Center for Cybersecurity.
Megan Corn is a Graduate Teaching Associate and PhD student in the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies at the University of South Florida. She also holds an MPA from the University of South Florida and has published survey research in the Tampa Bay Times and South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Savannah Havird is a Graduate Teaching Associate and PhD student in the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies at the University of South Florida. She holds an MPA from the University of South Florida and a BA in political science from Saint Leo University. She has published survey research in the Tampa Bay Times and presented at multiple research conferences across various disciplines.
Kevin B. Smith is the Leland J. and Dorothy H. Olson Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is also the Director of the Political Pyschophysiology Lab in the Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Megan Corn is a Graduate Teaching Associate and PhD student in the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies at the University of South Florida. She also holds an MPA from the University of South Florida and has published survey research in the Tampa Bay Times and South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Savannah Havird is a Graduate Teaching Associate and PhD student in the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies at the University of South Florida. She holds an MPA from the University of South Florida and a BA in political science from Saint Leo University. She has published survey research in the Tampa Bay Times and presented at multiple research conferences across various disciplines.
Kevin B. Smith is the Leland J. and Dorothy H. Olson Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is also the Director of the Political Pyschophysiology Lab in the Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Content
Title Page
Acknowledgment
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The Anxious State
Section 1: Stress
Chapter 2: Political Stress - A Primer for the Anxious Citizen
Chapter 3: The Public Health Problem Hiding in Plain Sight
Chapter 4: Age, Gender, & Education: Understanding the Comorbidities of Political Stress
Chapter 5: How "Breaking News" is Breaking Us
Chapter 6: Stressing Social Ties
Section 2: Polarization
Chapter 7: Understanding Affective Polarization
Chapter 8: Unwarranted Disdain
Chapter 9: Cross Pressures and (More) Comorbidities
Chapter 10: Does the Media Really Divide Us?
Section 3: Conclusion
Chapter 11: The Big Picture
Chapter 12: The Anxious Cycle
Appendix: Survey Participants
Acknowledgment
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The Anxious State
Section 1: Stress
Chapter 2: Political Stress - A Primer for the Anxious Citizen
Chapter 3: The Public Health Problem Hiding in Plain Sight
Chapter 4: Age, Gender, & Education: Understanding the Comorbidities of Political Stress
Chapter 5: How "Breaking News" is Breaking Us
Chapter 6: Stressing Social Ties
Section 2: Polarization
Chapter 7: Understanding Affective Polarization
Chapter 8: Unwarranted Disdain
Chapter 9: Cross Pressures and (More) Comorbidities
Chapter 10: Does the Media Really Divide Us?
Section 3: Conclusion
Chapter 11: The Big Picture
Chapter 12: The Anxious Cycle
Appendix: Survey Participants