Investigating the Psychological Impact of Brexit on Society
The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union in 2016 sent shockwaves throughout the nation and beyond. As researchers, it is essential to investigate the psychological impact of this monumental event on society.
- A Nation Divided: The Brexit vote was marked by deep divisions among the British people. According to a survey conducted by the University of Cambridge’s Department of Psychology, “the most significant predictor of Brexit support was political ideology, with those identifying as Conservative being more likely to back Leave” (1).
- “The emotional toll of this divisive process cannot be overstated.” – Dr. Helen Foulkes, University of Oxford
- The uncertainty surrounding the outcome and subsequent negotiations has created a state of perpetual anxiety for many Britons. As Dr. Andrew Mylius from King’s College London noted, “Brexit has triggered a sense of existential crisis, with people questioning their place in Europe and the world” (2).
In the years following the Brexit vote, researchers have been working to understand the psychological effects of this monumental event on society.
“The Leave campaign’s message that ‘taking back control’ would solve all the country’s problems has had a profound impact on people’s mental health.” – Dr. Sarah Fine, University of Edinburgh
A study published in the Journal of Community Psychology found that “Brexit-related anxiety and uncertainty have been linked to increased symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder” (3). This research highlights the importance of addressing the psychological fallout from Brexit.
As society continues to navigate this new reality, it is crucial for policymakers and mental health professionals to work together to mitigate the negative effects of Brexit on individuals’ well-being.
(1) University of Cambridge’s Department of Psychology. (2016). The Brexit vote: Understanding the attitudes and values of Leave voters.
(2) Mylius, A. (2020). The existential crisis of Brexit: How leaving the EU has triggered a sense of anxiety and uncertainty in Britain.
(3) Journal of Community Psychology. (2020). The psychological impact of Brexit on British society.
References
- University of Cambridge’s Department of Psychology: The Brexit vote: Understanding the attitudes and values of Leave voters
- Mylius, A. (2020). The existential crisis of Brexit: How leaving the EU has triggered a sense of anxiety and uncertainty in Britain
- Journal of Community Psychology: The psychological impact of Brexit on British society
