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How elections shape perceptions of ideal leadership
Theodore C Masters-Waage1, Nicolas Bastardoz2, Jayanth Narayanan3
1Department of Psychology, University of Houston.
The 2020 U.S. presidential election shifted leadership prototypes, decreasing perceptions of tyranny and masculinity. These changes were driven by individuals who accepted the election results, demonstrating how real-world events shape psychological perceptions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Sociology
Background:
- Individuals possess internal leadership representations, known as leadership prototypes.
- These prototypes can be influenced by significant societal events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how leadership prototypes evolved following the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
- To identify specific dimensions of leadership prototypes that were altered by the election.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study surveyed 600 participants (Republicans, Democrats, Independents) eight times between October 2020 and January 2021.
- Regression discontinuity in time and repeated measures analyses were employed to assess changes in perceived ideal leader characteristics.
Main Results:
- The election significantly altered leadership prototypes, specifically reducing perceptions of "Tyranny" and "Masculinity."
- Participants' ideal leader perceptions shifted towards characteristics associated with Joe Biden and away from those associated with Donald Trump.
- The shift in leadership prototypes was moderated by the perceived legitimacy of the election results, with only those accepting the outcome showing significant changes.
Conclusions:
- Leadership prototypes are dynamic and can be reshaped by major political events like a presidential election.
- The perceived legitimacy of an election outcome is a critical factor influencing how it impacts psychological perceptions of leadership.
- Elections can broadly shape societal psychological perceptions of ideal leadership qualities.
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