Jüngere Amerikaner sind in einer wettbewerbsintensiveren Phase aufgewachsen, die dazu geführt hat, dass viele neurotischer wurden (schlechte Stimmung, Angstzustände und Reizbarkeit) und im Gegenzug liberaler wurden. Außerhalb der USA wurde kein solches Muster festgestellt, was darauf hindeutet, dass dies nicht auf das Alter, sondern auf Generationenerfahrungen zurückzuführen ist.

Neuroticism linked to liberal ideology in young Americans, but not older generations

New research published in the International Social Science Journal suggests that the relationship between personality and political beliefs in the United States varies significantly by age. The findings indicate that higher levels of neuroticism are associated with liberal ideology among young Americans, but this association is absent in older generations. This generational divide implies that growing up in a highly competitive historical period may play a role in shaping both the mental health and political orientations of American youth.

The rationale for this investigation centers on what the author calls the “Generational Hypothesis.” This theory posits that the social environment in the United States has changed drastically since the 1970s. Older Americans spent their formative years during the post-war period, an era often characterized by greater economic stability, stronger labor unions, and a more collectivistic culture.

In contrast, younger Americans have matured during a “contemporary” period defined by intense competition. This era has seen a decline in social capital, increased return on higher education alongside rising debt, and greater labor market insecurity. The researcher argues that growing up in this environment increases the likelihood of developing neurotic traits. Consequently, young people with higher neuroticism may turn to liberal ideology because it often critiques hyper-competition and advocates for social safety nets that offer protection against risk.

“The article hypothesizes that, compared to older American cohorts, **younger ones have grown up during a more competitive historical period that has led many to become more neurotic (i.e. to be more predisposed to low mood, anxiety, and irritability) and, in turn, to become more liberal**. This predicts that, in the United States, neuroticism is linked with liberal ideology in young, but not old, people. This prediction is supported in two studies.”

“These studies show that young American liberals are more neurotic than young American conservatives. Meanwhile, among older Americans, liberals and conservatives have the same level of neuroticism. **A third study found no such pattern outside the United States, suggesting that the effect observed in the United States is not due to aging but to generational experiences**. Overall, these findings highlight a potential role for neuroticism in explaining why young Americans have become more liberal.”

For those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/issj.70025

Tell me you don’t know the definition of liberal….

Yeah, because older folks and conservatives definitely don’t have „low mood, anxiety, and **irritability**.“ They’re not neurotic *at all*.

Guess it’s time to pop some popcorn.

There’s so much wooly BS in science and so much of it comes from psychologists.

Thats interesting. The older I get the more conservative I get, but that may be due more to how one side treats my gender.

An absurd paper with a bonkers conclusion that doesn’t stand up to a single ounce of scrutiny.

The US keeps doubling down on far right wing policies and wondering why things keep getting worse. Given the corporate funding structure in congress, it seems so difficult for even moderate left wing candidates to emerge 

We also have the participation trophies, lack of accountability and an over diagnosis crisis so people dont feel they are responsible for the things they do, nor do they try to improve because they have a diagnosis

„Competitive“ is obviously not the right word.