Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Feneryolu Medical Center Specialist Clinical Psychologist Merve Umay Candaş Demir made statements on voter behavior and election psychology, just days before the elections. According to studies, voting causes an increase in the stress hormone. Specialist Clinical Psychologist Merve Umay Candaş Demir, who said that stress level should be reduced in order to make healthy decisions, said, "Even if we defend different political parties, we are together in daily life and we should not allow political movements to reflect on our personal relationships." said.
We need to be rational voters
Specialist Clinical Psychologist Merve Umay Candaş Demir, who started her speech by saying that voting behavior in elections can be considered as a psychological process, said, “According to one of the old models, the 'party identification model', voters feel sympathy for a party. This brings loyalty and, like a football team supporter, the person identifies with the political party they hold. This model is also very common in our country. However, the important thing is the 'rational choice' approach. According to this approach, voters are in voting behavior by evaluating the future and the past rationally, and this is healthier. Therefore, we need to be 'rational voters'." used the phrase.
Uncertainty increases social stress
Pointing out that most people have witnessed election-themed speeches and tension as the election date approaches, Demir said, “This tension, fear and anxiety is sometimes seen as anger. As a country, our agenda has been the elections and the economy, especially in the post-election atmosphere. Because according to the famous 'hierarchy of needs' of Maslow, who is an academic and psychologist, the most basic needs of human beings are nutrition and shelter. From this perspective, the psychological process comes to the fore. People are experiencing uncertainty about their economic situation and security. This increases our social stress level.” he said.
We must be united, not polarized.
Specialist Clinical Psychologist Merve Umay Candaş Demir, emphasizing that in order to manage the stress experienced, first of all, the choice should not be seen as a matter of life and death, the end of the world, or a point of no return, no matter what the outcome, said, “Human is a social being that has to live together by nature. People who need to live together in a peaceful environment assume that social rules will somehow continue. Then, the second important point that should not be forgotten is that each person should act sensitively in terms of social peace and tranquility, regardless of the election results. Even if we defend different political parties, we are together in daily life and we should not allow political movements to be reflected in our personal relationships. Being united, not polarized, is socially the healthiest.” He drew attention to social cohesion.
Voting behavior increases in hopeful voters
“In studies on voter behavior, it is seen that voting behavior increases at the point where people are hopeful and believe that their votes will contribute.” Demir said, “Election campaigns are a psychological process. At this point, regardless of our vote, we should not forget the importance of democratic participation and cast our vote without despair. 'Nothing changes anyway. What will happen if I vote!' We should ignore the comments made.” used the phrases.
In order to make healthy decisions, you should lower your stress level.
Drawing attention to the effect of voting behavior on the body and emotions, Demir concluded his words as follows:
“According to studies, voting causes an increase in the stress hormone called cortisol in the body. This stress has an impact on the decision we will make about who we will vote for. Stress disrupts our memory and triggers our behaviors such as reward seeking and not wanting to take risks. For this reason, it is important that we lower our stress level in order to make healthy decisions.”