There’s a fascinating pattern when it comes to those who support Donald Trump.
Diving into the psychology of it all, you’ll find that there are common traits shared among his followers.
This is not about painting everyone with the same brush, but rather about identifying some recurring themes.
Exploring these characteristics can help us understand the appeal of Trump’s rhetoric and his enduring popularity among his base.
It’s not about judgement, but about comprehension.
In this article, we’re going to unveil the seven psychological traits often shared by people who support Trump.
And remember, psychology is intricate, and people are complex—so let’s delve in with an open mind:
1) Authority bias
Trump supporters often exhibit what psychologists call “authority bias.”
This is the tendency to place higher value on the opinions of those perceived as authority figures.
It’s a phenomenon deeply rooted in human nature, and one that Trump, as a former businessman and television personality, capitalizes on.
When Trump speaks, his supporters listen—not just because of who he is, but because of the authority they believe he holds.
This is not exclusive to Trump supporters; many of us are influenced by authority figures in our lives.
The submission to an authority figure like Trump can lead some supporters to bypass critical thinking and follow his lead.
Understanding this bias can help unravel why Trump’s words hold such sway over his followers.
2) Confirmation bias
Here’s something I’ve noticed, both in myself and others: We all have a tendency to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs, a concept known as “confirmation bias”.
I’ll share a personal example: I’m a fan of basketball and have always believed that my favorite team is the best.
Even when they lose, I find myself focusing on the positive aspects of their performance and ignoring the negatives.
It’s not objective, but it’s human nature.
Trump supporters are no different as they often focus on his accomplishments and overlook his flaws.
This isn’t unique to them because it’s a psychological trait we all share to some extent.
The great psychologist Carl Jung once stated, “People will do anything, no matter how absurd, to avoid facing their own souls.”
In this context, confirmation bias allows us to avoid confronting information that contradicts our deeply held beliefs.
Yet, psychology is complex, and everyone’s experiences are unique.
3) Fear of change
Do you ever fear change? I know I do.
This is an inherent part of human nature.
We are creatures of habit and often resist anything that threatens our status quo.
This fear can manifest itself in various ways—from resisting new technology to opposing societal changes.
For many Trump supporters, his promise to “Make America Great Again” resonated deeply.
It harked back to a time they understood, and in some cases, longed for.
In the face of rapid societal changes, this promise offered a sense of stability.
Perhaps for some Trump supporters, the fear of change and the responsibility that comes with it played a crucial role in their political choice.
4) In-group bias
Next on our list is “in-group bias”, a psychological phenomenon where people tend to favor those who belong to their own group.
People are more likely to cooperate with others within their group, even when it’s detrimental to them or the group at large.
This bias can be as simple as favoring your hometown sports team, or as complex as political affiliations.
Many Trump supporters are strongly bonded over shared beliefs and values.
Their sense of community and identity is reinforced by the “us versus them” narrative often promoted in politics.
This bias helps them overlook differences within their group and focus on opposing ‘out-groups’.
Psychology is complex, and the in-group bias is just one piece of the puzzle.
5) Cognitive dissonance
Ever found yourself justifying an action that didn’t align with your beliefs?
Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort we feel when we hold two contradictory beliefs, or when our actions contradict our beliefs.
To ease this discomfort, we often find ways to justify our actions or change our beliefs.
For some Trump supporters, cognitive dissonance might come into play when they’re faced with actions or statements from Trump that don’t align with their personal values.
To resolve this dissonance, they may either justify his actions or alter their perception of them.
Leon Festinger, the psychologist who proposed the theory of cognitive dissonance, stated that “A man with a conviction is a hard man to change.”
6) Self-enhancement bias
Here’s a counterintuitive thought: Sometimes, believing you’re better than others can actually make you more supportive of inequality.
This is called the “self-enhancement bias,” which is the tendency to view ourselves in a more positive light than others.
This bias can lead to a lack of empathy and an increased tolerance for inequality.
Some Trump supporters may exhibit this bias, finding it easier to dismiss societal issues that don’t directly affect them.
They may believe they’ve earned their status purely through personal effort, overlooking societal factors that may have contributed.
Our own biases can shape our view of the world and limit our understanding of complex issues.
7) The ‘halo effect’
Finally, we have “the halo effect,” which is the tendency to let one positive trait overshadow other characteristics.
For Trump supporters, his charisma or success in business may overshadow other traits, influencing their overall perception of him.
This suggests that our perception of one positive trait can influence our perception of others.
Remember though, psychology is complex so—in the end—let’s continue learning and understanding together.
Final thoughts
Understanding the psychology behind people’s political choices is a complex yet fascinating journey.
However, it’s crucial to remember that human psychology is intricate and diverse.
People are more than the sum of their traits.
These are just common threads that can help us understand, not define, any group of people.
As we continue to grapple with the complexities of our political landscape, let’s remember to approach it with empathy, understanding, and an open mind.
After all, we’re all trying to navigate this world as best we can, influenced by our own unique set of psychological traits.
Let’s continue learning and understanding together because only through understanding can we bridge divides and foster a more inclusive society.
