Don't Let Elections Result in Anger

by Ben Arntz

Politics can be quite polarizing, often turning the most mild-mannered citizens into raging proselytizers. Differences in political opinion can escalate into name-calling, backstabbing, and extreme pettiness--and that's just the politicians.

Elections are inherently stressful for voters, dividing up the country into separate groups with "us versus them" mentalities. Close races leave a large percentage of voters disheartened, dissatisfied, and/or angry. When these negative feelings accumulate and add to life's other stresses, the result can be an explosion of anger. It is important to constructively address these feelings in a safe environment before outbursts occur.

During this most recent election, it has become clear to me that the most persuasive political debators (on every level--from high-profile campaigners to the barroom orators) are those with highly developed emotional intelligence and assertive communications skills. Anger management courses using the Anderson & Anderson model are designed to develop and enhance these skills, in addition to addressing the aforementioned buildup of stress and anger.

For more information on anger management courses in an area near you, please click here.