An Identity-Based Approach to Polarization and Public Health

Jan 29, 2026·
Raunak M. Pillai
,
Laura K. Globig
,
Steve Rathje
,
Anni Sternisko
Rémi Thériault
Rémi Thériault
,
Jay J. Van Bavel
· 1 min read
Abstract
ABSTRACT A growing literature identifies political polarization as a risk factor adversely shaping public health outcomes. We propose that this relationship can be understood through theories of group processes and behavioral decision‐making. To explain the effects of polarization on public health, we review and integrate classic models from these traditions. Guided by this framework, we review evidence suggesting that identity‐based motives can shape people’s attitudes toward health behaviors, social norms about the behavior, and the perceived ability to control the behavior. This integrative review helps explain divergent patterns of health behaviors across political groups but can also generalize to explain group influences on health behaviors more broadly. We argue that to fully understand the role of social contexts in shaping human health, it is critical to investigate how group identification shapes people’s actions.
Type
Publication
Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 20(2)
publications

ABSTRACT A growing literature identifies political polarization as a risk factor adversely shaping public health outcomes. We propose that this relationship can be understood through theories of group processes and behavioral decision‐making. To explain the effects of polarization on public health, we review and integrate classic models from these traditions. Guided by this framework, we review evidence suggesting that identity‐based motives can shape people’s attitudes toward health behaviors, social norms about the behavior, and the perceived ability to control the behavior. This integrative review helps explain divergent patterns of health behaviors across political groups but can also generalize to explain group influences on health behaviors more broadly. We argue that to fully understand the role of social contexts in shaping human health, it is critical to investigate how group identification shapes people’s actions.

Rémi Thériault
Authors
Rémi Thériault
Assistant Professor of Psychology and SAGE Lab Director
Rémi Thériault is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the Université du Québec à Rimouski and director of the SAGE Lab. His research examines social identities, implicit cognition, prosociality, empathy, and self-regulation.