Election anxiety could be ruining family relationships – forever

As the 2024 presidential election heats up, families across the U.S. are experiencing heightened levels of stress. A new survey from Secret Nature reveals that election anxiety is doing more than just causing personal discomfort—it’s straining family relationships in profound ways. Experts warn that without proper management, this stress could have lasting impacts on relationships, even after the election is over.

“Election stress taps into a need for control and certainty,” explains Tyler William, CEO and relationship specialist at Secret Nature. “When people feel overwhelmed, they tend to project that stress onto those closest to them, leading to arguments and tension even among loved ones with similar political views.”

Key Survey Findings: How Election Stress Is Affecting Families

The recent survey highlights the growing emotional toll of the election season:

• 68% of respondents reported experiencing stress or anxiety due to the general election.
• 56% said the election has caused stress between family members.
• 49% admitted to arguing with family over political differences.
• 41% have even reconsidered their relationship with a family member because of election-related conflicts.
• 71% say the biggest cause of stress is having a family member support a different candidate, while 64% report feeling distressed by opposing views that seem unchangeable.

“The election has become a personal battlefield for many families,” Tyler explains. “When discussions turn into debates and frustrations go unresolved, it’s not surprising that nearly half of respondents say they’ve had arguments with loved ones.”

7 Tips to Manage Election Anxiety in Family Relationships

Tyler William offers practical, expert-backed advice for families to manage election stress and protect their relationships during this tense season.

1. Set Boundaries Around Political Discussions

With 56% of respondents experiencing election-related tension with family members, setting clear boundaries around political discussions is essential. Tyler recommends designating “politics-free zones” during family activities, such as meals or movie nights.

“Creating space for non-political conversations allows families to reconnect without unnecessary stress,” he advises. “This simple boundary can prevent minor disagreements from escalating into full-blown arguments.”

2. Schedule Screen-Free Moments Together

The survey reveals that 51% of respondents feel frustrated because family members won’t listen to them. This frustration is often amplified by constant news exposure. Tyler suggests replacing screen time with shared activities like family walks, cooking together, or playing games.

“Spending quality time together without the distractions of news feeds fosters connection,” he explains. “It also provides a mental break from the barrage of political information, reducing stress levels.”

3. Practice Empathy and Ask Open-Ended Questions

Since 64% of respondents report feeling emotionally distressed by their loved ones’ political views, practicing empathy is critical. Rather than jumping to conclusions, Tyler advises family members to ask open-ended questions such as, “What’s really on your mind?” or “How can I support you today?”

“Meaningful conversations happen when we seek to understand, not just to be heard,” he notes. “This approach can turn heated arguments into productive discussions.”

4. Challenge All-or-Nothing Thinking

With 71% saying that disagreements over candidate choices are their biggest source of stress, Tyler emphasizes the importance of moving beyond black-and-white thinking.

“All-or-nothing thinking creates emotional exhaustion,” he explains. “Remind yourself that relationships don’t have to hinge on political agreement. Your family is not your opponent, and it’s okay to disagree.”

5. Limit News Consumption to Manage Anxiety

Given that 68% of respondents experience election-related anxiety, Tyler suggests managing news consumption intentionally. “Checking the news multiple times a day only feeds anxiety,” he explains. “Instead, set specific times for news updates—once in the morning and once in the evening.”

This strategy not only reduces emotional burnout but also helps family members stay more present in their daily lives.

6. Create a Plan for Difficult Conversations

The survey shows that 41% of respondents have reconsidered family relationships due to political disagreements. To avoid unnecessary fallout, Tyler recommends planning conversations with a clear goal in mind.

“Decide in advance what outcome you want,” he suggests. “Are you trying to share your perspective, understand theirs, or simply express your feelings? Setting a clear intention helps prevent conversations from spiraling out of control.”

7. Focus on What You Can Control and Strengthen Bonds

“Election seasons make us feel powerless,” he notes. “Instead of worrying about what you can’t change, focus on what you can—like nurturing relationships with loved ones.”

Tyler advises families to engage in activities that strengthen their bond, such as volunteering together, celebrating small milestones, or planning fun outings. “By shifting your energy toward what matters most, you’ll build resilience and reduce election-induced stress.”

“Election seasons are temporary, but family relationships are meant to last,” he concludes. “With empathy, boundaries, and intentional communication, families can weather this election season together—and emerge stronger on the other side.”

For those feeling overwhelmed by election stress, Tyler William emphasizes that the goal isn’t to avoid political discussions entirely but to navigate them in a way that preserves relationships. “It’s about facing stress hand-in-hand with the people you care about most.”

Methodology:

The survey was conducted online via the survey platform SurveyMonkey between October 1st and October 14th, 2024, to explore the impact of election anxiety on family relationships across the United States. The survey aimed to assess how political stress manifests in personal interactions, the frequency of family disagreements related to politics, and strategies families are using to manage election-related stress.

Sample Size & Demographics:

• Total Sample Size: 2,000 U.S. participants, aged 18-65
• Confidence Level: 95%
• Margin of Error: ±2.2%
• The sample was selected to provide statistically significant results across multiple subgroups.

The sample included a balanced mix of men and women. Participants were eligible to participate if they reported being affected by the 2024 election, either through personal stress or tension in family relationships. This ensured the results reflected relevant experiences of how election anxiety influences interactions at home. The survey allowed multiple-choice responses in some areas to capture the complexity of participants’ experiences.

Note: Secret Nature is an Organic, Artisan CBD Flowers & Extracts company, based in Portland, OR