How COVID fueled group polarization flames is topic of ADP talk

An exploration of polarization in a highly charged atmosphere will be presented in a virtual talk, “Group Polarization in American: How COVID 19 Threw Fuel on the Fire,” by Dr. Joshua D. Fetterman.

The talk, sponsored by the American Democracy Project and Department of Psychology, is slated for Friday, Feb. 25, from 2 to 3 p.m.

From a bipartisan perspective, Dr. Fetterman will examine the topic of group polarization in politics over time and psychological predictors of polarization, while also making suggestions for what to do about it, both in the classroom and in personal life.

"The past 18 months have not been easy on relationships. One might have guessed that the pandemic would pull people together. Instead, it has pushed people apart by creating a fertile environment for group polarization, a phenomenon whereby our opinions become more extreme after discussion with like-minded individuals,” Fetterman said.

“This has created stress on relationships and raises concerns about civility in post-pandemic classroom interactions," according to Fetterman.

Department of Psychology Associate Professor Joe McFall noted he had the privilege of hearing Fetterman's engaging presentation on political polarization when he presented at the Mid-Atlantic Teachers of Psychology conference last year.

“He gives insight into the factors that drive the human tendency to spend more negative energy tearing down others than positive energy building up support for one's own values and goals,” Dr. McFall said.

Fetterman, who teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology at Chestnut Hill College, has a Ph.D. and a M.S., both in Psychology (social area) from the University of Pittsburgh, and a B.S. in Psychology from York College of Pennsylvania.

Interested persons should register online in advance for the meeting.

Those registering will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.