Honors Projects

Abstract

This paper analyzes how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced political polarization in the United States by examining the interactions between social system disruption, psychological stress, and underlying neurological behaviors. While previous research has extensively discussed pandemic's influence on public health and societal breakdowns, studies fail to examine how these disruptions shaped political divisions. This study synthesizes interdisciplinary literature on pandemic-induced stressors and analyzes factors, including institutional mistrust and social isolation, and how these experiences shape political behavior and perspectives. Applying research from psychology and neuroscience, the paper argues that prolonged exposure to pandemic-related stressors changed neurological and behavioral patterns in response to fear, group identification, and decision making. Collectively, creating increased reliance on in-group identity and ideological similarities that are displayed in liberal and conservative divides in government authority, public health orders, and personal freedom. Demonstrating that intensified political polarization can be influential in public response to health policies and hostility between political parties. Even in some cases, engaging in support of political violence. This review highlights how the pandemic’s psychological, social, and neurological effects changed and deepened partisan divides. This review provides comprehensive insight into the underlying mechanisms driving political divides and highlights the importance of acknowledging societal and personal processes that reduce political polarization.

Department

Psychology

Major

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Robert Alexander

First Advisor Department

Political Science

Second Advisor

Dr. Howard-Casey Cromwell

Second Advisor Department

Psychology

Third Advisor

Christine Shaal

Third Advisor Department

Honors Program

Publication Date

Spring 4-28-2026

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