Political denial syndrome
Aka. P.D.S.; A major social and political problem where an individual to identify as being a supporter of one political party and or ideology, but then changes their identity and or ideology done often times to better align with their values and beliefs. Rather than accept their identity as being part of who they are and move on, the individual will strenuously deny that they ever had that identity and will overtly take political stances and mobilize on issues that are consistent with what their new political identity; in order to make their new identity seem more legitimate to themselves and other people and or to help them deal with the fact they feel embarrassed and or guilty because of their former political identity. People with this often times endure a lot of fear that people will not see them as being a legitimate supporter of the new political party and or ideology they use, emotional and mental restlessness caused by their belief they have to actively work to make up for their former identity, and or intense guilt for having their previous identity.
Marvin: Why does Stacy always seem to talk about politics. I understand that she is passionate about her beliefs, but she does not need to talk about it constantly.
Janet: I think she has political denial syndrome. If I’m recalling correctly, she used to be a republican, but after having some issues related to Trump’s actions and the capital riots her beliefs shifted to strongly favoring the democrats. Because of all the things the republicans did and the fact she had backed them in the past, she may feel that she has to make up for having that identity because she may feel indirectly responsible for what happened because she voted some of the politicians responsible for it. It could also be that she could be embarrassed by her former identity and her actively discussing her views is one of the ways she deals with discomfort.
Marvin: No offense, but, in a way, it almost sounds like she could need counselor or a good friend to talk to help her deal with her discomfort and stress if that is the case.
Janet: Yes, I think your right about that.
Janet: I think she has political denial syndrome. If I’m recalling correctly, she used to be a republican, but after having some issues related to Trump’s actions and the capital riots her beliefs shifted to strongly favoring the democrats. Because of all the things the republicans did and the fact she had backed them in the past, she may feel that she has to make up for having that identity because she may feel indirectly responsible for what happened because she voted some of the politicians responsible for it. It could also be that she could be embarrassed by her former identity and her actively discussing her views is one of the ways she deals with discomfort.
Marvin: No offense, but, in a way, it almost sounds like she could need counselor or a good friend to talk to help her deal with her discomfort and stress if that is the case.
Janet: Yes, I think your right about that.
Political denial syndrome by Vanguard 1998 May 5, 2021
