Is it Safe to Keep This Job? The Costs of Violence on the Psychological Health and Careers of U.S. Mayors

Rebekah Herrick and Lori D. Franklin

Social Science Quarterly, 2019, vol. 100, issue 6, 2047-2058

Abstract: Objective This article explores the effects of physical and psychological violence on politicians' mental health and political ambition. Methods All mayors in cities of 30,000 and above were surveyed regarding any experiences of violence during their campaigns and service as mayors. Additionally, they reported any psychological and political costs of the negative experiences. Results Of 1,360 subjects, responses were received from 283. Among these, 216 subjects reported experiencing at least one incident of violence. Of those, more than 42 percent reported at least one indicator of potential psychological harm, but fewer than one‐fifth were considering leaving office. Harassment, frequency of violence, and physical violence had the greatest effects. Conclusion Violence has modest, but real effects on mayors’ psychological well‐being and political ambition, and these effects are more pronounced for those experiencing physical violence or harassment.

Date: 2019
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