What both sides of America’s polarized divide share: Deep anxieties about the meaning of life and existence itself

AMES, Iowa – Professor of human development and family studies, Carl Weems, published an article for The Conversation related to the recognition that both sides have something in common: a profound sense of existential fear. He further details existential anxiety and how it relates to political polarization.

He goes on to share the critical point is that people on all sides of every issue yearn for safety, purpose and belonging. Recognizing that the core existential concerns we all share underlie polarized fears might be an important step toward bridging divides and reducing the risk of fear-driven aggression.