Evidence-based strategies for sustaining civic engagement without political burnout

Nearly three quarters of Americans identify politics as a major source of stress, according to the American Psychological Association. From Fear to Resilience: Managing Political Stress in a Polarized America examines political anxiety as a civic problem, not merely a personal one. Drawing on political science, psychology, and stress research, Jayme Renfro provides a nonpartisan, research-driven framework for understanding and addressing the toll of polarization.

From Fear to Resilience blends empirical research with actionable guidance:

• Research-based tools for recognizing and managing the physiological and psychological effects of political stress on daily well-being
• Strategies for maintaining sustained civic participation without experiencing burnout, anxiety, or deteriorating social relationships
• Community-building frameworks that foster collective resilience and support networks within politically divided environments
• Analysis of how political polarization affects physical health, mental health, and interpersonal connections, grounded in social science research
• Practical mental wellness approaches that treat political engagement as beneficial while mitigating its negative consequences

Designed for academics and practitioners in political science, psychology, and sociology, as well as politically engaged adults seeking research-based solutions, this book serves as both a course text for political behavior and civic engagement programs and a practical guide for nonprofit leaders, public servants, and anyone committed to healthy democratic participation.

JAYME RENFRO is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Northern Iowa, specializing in public administration, civic engagement, and public leadership. Her peer-reviewed research on biology and politics and the physical manifestations of political stress has been published in academic journals, and she has served as a frequent commentator for news outlets on these topics. She is also the author of Strategic Planning for University Colleges and Departments and Cases and Topics in State and Local Politics.