Innovating group therapy: the DPT model dialogue, psychoeducation, and trauma-informed support for election-related PTSD and Political polarization

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Recent U.S. presidential elections have deepened political polarization and fueled rising reports of election-related stress and trauma. In 2024, 69% of Americans viewed the election as a significant source of stress and 62% cited politics in general, while 12.5% reported symptoms consistent with election-related PTSD – far above the typical 3.5% annual prevalence (APA, 2024;). These experiences disrupted social bonds, undermined personal security, and heightened hostility across political lines. Strife emerged among neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family with opposing viewpoints, leaving shattered support systems, compromised attachments, and weakened trust. For many, this destabilizing climate generated fear, vulnerability, isolation, loss of control, emotional distress, and helplessness, while reinforcing tribalism and negative sentiment toward other affiliations. Despite increasing clinical presentations of election-related trauma, there has been no formal recognition of the phenomenon and no established trauma-informed treatment framework. This article addresses that gap by examining the psychosocial impact of polarization and election-related distress on mental health, relationships, and communities. It introduces an innovative trauma-informed group therapy model integrating psychoeducation and structured dialogue. By fostering understanding rather than debate, the model aims to reduce distress, strengthen attachments, and build resilience within a polarized sociopolitical climate.