A body of research explores the relationship between temperament and political decision-making. Temperament refers to an individual's innate and stable behaviour, emotion, and cognition patterns. While political decision-making is a complex process influenced by various factors, including ideology, socialisation, and situational context, temperament can shape an individual's political attitudes and behaviours. Here are some key points and studies that highlight this relationship.
Big Five Personality Traits
One of the most widely studied models of temperament is the Big Five personality traits (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism or Emotional Stability). Research has shown that certain personality traits are associated with political attitudes and behaviours.
Openness
People high in openness tend to be more liberal and open to new ideas, while those low in openness may be more conservative and resistant to change.
Conscientiousness
High conscientious individuals are often more politically engaged and may lean conservative due to their preference for order and stability.
Extraversion
Extraverts may be more likely to engage in political activities, such as attending rallies or social events related to politics.
Agreeableness
Those high in agreeableness may be more inclined to seek compromise and cooperation, which can influence political decision-making.
Neuroticism/Emotional Stability
Neuroticism has been associated with increased political anxiety and more extreme political attitudes.
Moral Foundations Theory
This theory, proposed by Jonathan Haidt and others, suggests that people have different moral foundations that influence their political beliefs. Some of these foundations are related to temperament. For example, individuals high in sensitivity to harm and fairness (aspects of temperament) may lean more liberal, while those who strongly emphasise authority, loyalty, and purity may lean more conservative.
Political Psychology Research
Political psychology scholars have examined the relationship between temperament and political attitudes. These studies often use surveys and psychological assessments to measure personality traits and their connection to political preferences.
Longitudinal Studies
Some research involves longitudinal studies that track individuals over time to assess how changes in temperament may correspond with shifts in political decision-making.
Cross-Cultural Studies
Researchers have explored whether the relationship between temperament and political decision-making varies across cultures and societies.
It is important to note that while there is evidence of a relationship between temperament and political decision-making, it is complex and multifaceted. Factors, including upbringing, education, social influences, and personal experiences, influence political decision-making. Moreover, the impact of temperament on political behaviour can vary from one individual to another, and it may interact with other factors in unpredictable ways. Therefore, while temperament can contribute, it is just one piece of the puzzle in understanding political decision-making.
Indeed, here is a more detailed explanation with specific examples for each of the five points regarding the relationship between temperament and political decision-making:
Openness
Individuals with high levels of openness are often more liberal in their political attitudes. For example, they might be more open to policies promoting environmental protection and social justice. Conversely, those low in openness may be more conservative and resistant to change, favouring traditional values and policies.
Conscientiousness
People with high conscientiousness tend to be more politically engaged. They are more likely to vote, volunteer for campaigns, and participate in political organisations. This engagement can lead them to lean conservatively due to their preference for order and societal stability.
Extraversion
Extraverts are more likely to engage in political activities, such as attending political rallies and social events related to politics. They may also be more inclined to discuss politics with others, which can influence their political decisions.
Agreeableness
Individuals high in agreeableness value cooperation and compromise. They are more likely to seek common ground in political discussions and may be less inclined to adopt extreme political positions. Their political decision-making may prioritise harmony and consensus.
Neuroticism/Emotional Stability
Neuroticism, characterised by emotional instability, has been associated with increased political anxiety. Highly neurotic individuals may be more prone to extreme political attitudes driven by fear or anger.
Harm and Fairness (Moral Foundations Theory)
People who strongly emphasise the moral foundations of harm and fairness are more likely to lean liberal. They may support policies to reduce economic inequality and protect the vulnerable in society.
Authority, Loyalty, and Purity (Moral Foundations Theory)
Those prioritising moral foundations related to authority, loyalty, and purity are likelier to lean conservative. They may be drawn to policies emphasising traditional values, law and order, and social cohesion.
Political Psychology Research
Scholars in political psychology have conducted various studies to explore the relationship between temperament and political attitudes. For example, research might find conscientious individuals are more likely to align with conservative parties, while those high in openness may be more drawn to progressive or liberal platforms.
Longitudinal Studies
Longitudinal studies have followed individuals over time to examine changes in temperament and how they correspond to shifts in political decision-making. For instance, a study might track how an individual's increasing openness to new experiences is associated with a move from a conservative to a more liberal political stance over the years.
Cross-Cultural Studies
Cross-cultural research has investigated whether the relationship between temperament and political decision-making varies across different cultures. For example, the impact of personality traits on political behaviour in collectivist cultures may differ from their impact in individualistic cultures, highlighting the role of culture in shaping the interaction between temperament and politics.
Political psychology, however, is a multidisciplinary field encompassing political behaviour, attitudes, and decision-making from a psychological perspective. Various scholars and researchers have contributed to understanding how psychological factors, including temperament and personality traits, influence political decisions. Here are some prominent scholars in political psychology whose work has been influential in this area:
Robert Jervis
Jervis is known for his work on the psychological aspects of international politics, particularly in international relations. His research has examined how cognitive biases and perceptions can shape foreign policy decision-making.
Jonathan Haidt
Haidt is well-known for his work on moral psychology and its relationship to politics. He has proposed the Moral Foundations Theory, which explores how different moral values (related to temperament and personality) can influence political beliefs and attitudes.
John R. Hibbing
Hibbing has researched political behaviour's biological and psychological underpinnings. His work has explored how differences in temperament, including sensitivity to threat and novelty, can lead to variations in political ideology.
John T. Jost
Jost's research focuses on the relationship between political ideology and personality. He has examined how personality traits, such as openness to experience and tolerance for ambiguity, can influence political orientation.
Leonie Huddy
Huddy is known for her work on political psychology, including studying political attitudes and behaviour. Her research has explored the role of emotions, group identity, and personality traits in shaping political opinions.
Milton Rokeach
Rokeach's work on the psychology of beliefs and values has influenced the understanding of how individuals form and maintain their political ideologies.
Shanto Iyengar
Iyengar's research has examined the role of emotions and media framing in shaping political attitudes and decision-making. His work has explored how personality traits interact with media messages to influence political choices.
David Sears
Sears has contributed to studying political socialisation and attitudes, including how individual personality traits can interact with social and cultural factors to shape political behaviour.
These scholars have made significant contributions to political psychology, and their research has shed light on how psychological factors, including temperament and personality traits, can play a role in political decision-making and ideology. Their work has helped to bridge the gap between psychology and political science, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between individual differences and political beliefs.
