When Politics Causes Panic: Political Anxiety as a Unique Form of Distress

Aaron Weinschenk and Kevin B. Smith

Social Science Quarterly, 2026, vol. 107, issue 3

Abstract: Objective We compare an eight‐item political anxiety measure developed by Smith, Weinschenk, and Panagopoulos to previous surveys. We replicate and extend previous analyses using a more detailed measure of generalized anxiety. We also examine the correlates of political and general anxiety. Methods Using data from an original survey fielded in 2025, we report the results of a factor analysis and several regression models. Results We report confirmatory evidence for the claim that general anxiety and political anxiety are distinct concepts. We also find that predictors of general anxiety are stable across samples, while some of the predictors of political anxiety are not. Conclusion Our findings support the idea that political and general anxiety are unique concepts. In addition, the results from our regression models suggest that political anxiety may be responsive to changes in the broader political environment.

Date: 2026
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