Reinforcing spirals of political discussion and affective polarization

Using the theoretical framework of the Reinforcing Spirals Model, we examine over-time relationships between partisan political discussion and affective political polarization using two three-wave datasets collected during the 2016 and 2012 US Presidential Elections. Our results during both election...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCommunication monographs Vol. 86; no. 3; pp. 357 - 376
Main Authors Hutchens, Myiah J., Hmielowski, Jay D., Beam, Michael A.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Routledge 03.07.2019
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
Affective polarization
Communication research
cross-cutting
Election results
Partisanship
Polarization
political discussion
Presidential elections
spirals
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Summary:Using the theoretical framework of the Reinforcing Spirals Model, we examine over-time relationships between partisan political discussion and affective political polarization using two three-wave datasets collected during the 2016 and 2012 US Presidential Elections. Our results during both election cycles indicated that higher levels of polarization at wave 1 were associated with an increased discussion with like-minded partners at wave 2, which was associated with higher levels of polarization at wave 3. In all, these findings demonstrate support that reinforcing spirals occur through partisan political discussion on affective partisan attitudes.
ISSN:0363-7751
1479-5787
DOI:10.1080/03637751.2019.1575255