Surviving the post-election spin-o-rama

QuakeCon, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

We ask some psychoanalysts to provide tips to local politicians on how to be a good winner and a good loser.

Sylvia Arenas demonizes her opponents. Dismissed consultant Eric Jaye "I-told-you-so's" Team Mahan. And local Dem party chief opportunistically tries to reframe the upcoming mayoral race.

Welcome to the post-election spin cycle, in which local politicians try to influence conventional wisdom regarding what just happened in the California primary election.

And let's be honest. They usually do it in a patently dishonest and--dare we say it?--unimaginative manner.

So, given the paucity of dignified post-election analysis, we humbly offer some tips on how pols can respond to election results in a sophisticated and generous manner. Laura Petrecca at Whittier.edu provides the counseling.

Tips on being a dignified winner or also-ran

Model good behavior.
This is a great opportunity to show each other how to deal with disappointment (or victory). "We can teach how to be a gracious loser," says psychologist Mary Alvord. Likewise, being a gracious winner is important. "Whether or not you are in a leadership position, have co‐workers, or fellow students, we all set examples for each other with positive ways to cope," she says.

Practice acceptance.

Vaile Wright, who is a member of the American Psychological Association's Stress in America team, advises: “Say to yourself, ‘I don’t like this outcome, but this is the way it is and I’m going to move forward.' Fighting it is just going to prolong one’s disappointment.” If your candidate won this election, be aware that others may have a difficult time accepting the outcome. Be patient.

Manage your exposure.
“We all know who those problem people are in our lives, whether it’s the guy in the cubicle next to us at work or the cousin on Facebook who keeps talking about a candidate,” says psychologist Nancy Molitor. If certain in-person conversations, social media posts or TV outlets fuel aggravation or depression, then avoid those or limit exposure. “If two people at work are spouting things, then avoid getting into a conversation with them,” she says. “Don’t engage.” It’s OK to walk away.

Think broadly.
“Try to understand that people are not crazy just because they are supporting another side,” says psychologist Mary Alvord. “It doesn’t make them a villain.” Practice kindness and empathy, says David Palmiter, a professor of psychology at Marywood University. Sure, it can be challenging at times, but “it is possible to be empathetic with someone and disagree with their thoughts,” he says. “People who are therapists learn that quickly.”

Surviving the post-election spin-o-rama

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