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Election Results Could Cause
Depression, Anger and
Despair Says Psychologist

Business Wire
10-28-4
 
LOS ANGELES (Business Wire) -- Mental-health experts around the country should be on the lookout for signs of depression, anger and despair next week when the Presidential election results are tallied and the losing candidate's supporters face the grim reality that their man lost, according to psychologist Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D.
 
With the election less than a week away and polls showing a race practically tied, supporters of both parties will be going into the election Tuesday ill prepared psychologically, without any inkling of how it may feel emotionally when their candidate loses.
 
"Many people have poured their heart, soul and money into this election. In addition, with the psychological tone of this campaign being extremely polarizing, it becomes difficult for the losing parties to join with the winners in an emotional and political reconciliation which could lead to closure and moving on with one's life," said Butterworth.
 
"This emotional state results in not only feelings of disappointment and dread in those voters backing the loser but has the potential to turn into psychological symptoms -- both because their candidate lost and because their entire political belief system and philosophical roots have been defeated!"
 
According to Butterworth, there are several patterns that may emerge in those individuals whose hopes and dreams have been dashed as a result of the election:
 
-- Sad and depressed: Not only has their candidate lost but their hopes and dreams concerning the future have crashed and burned. Feelings of despondency, hopelessness and even dread could occur.
 
-- Angry and resentful: Refusing to believe the legitimacy of the results, they become angry not only toward the winning candidate but the entire governmental process. This could result in alienation, cynicism and even anti-social activities.
 
-- Cynicism: When their candidate loses so does their belief in the democratic process. These individuals are the most likely to quit voting and alienate themselves from the entire political process. They could also have thoughts of moving out of the U.S.
 
Butterworth's advice to those individuals who feel depressed and despondent: "Help people to look at the long-term political view by not just only focusing on a this Presidential campaign but the issues that they care about both within a national and local perspective."
 
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