September 2008 PMID 18801995

Political attitudes vary with physiological traits.

Douglas R Oxley, Kevin B Smith, John R Alford, Matthew V Hibbing, Jennifer L Miller, Mario Scalora, Peter K Hatemi, John R Hibbing

Mentions

107
Peak: 5 in Aug 2020
across 5 sources since Jun 2019

Extended reach

519,393
potential audience

Total likes

12,108

Video views

384,180

Mentions per month

Jun 2019 – Oct 2025

Where it's discussed

  • Blogs39 articles
  • X / Twitter32 posts
  • News29 articles
  • Facebook5 posts
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Several posts discuss the correlation between threat responses and political beliefs, such as references to physiological reactions, amygdala size, and fear response studies, demonstrating active interest and engagement. The tone varies from scientific and analytical to ideological, showing that the publication has a notable impact on discussions about the biological basis of political attitudes.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the research's findings that physiological traits influence political attitudes, showing moderate support.

InterestHigh interest

The discussions are highly focused on the biological basis for political differences, indicating strong interest.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants reference specific studies, methodological aspects, and even criticize or defend interpretations, reflecting active engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

Although some posts highlight how this research might influence understanding or political discourse, they mainly serve as an academic or ideological point rather than changing policies instantly.

Abstract in brief

  • Recent research suggests that political attitudes may have a biological component, as they correlate with physiological traits such as sensitivity to threatening stimuli.
  • In a study with 46 adults, those with lower physiological responsiveness tended to support more liberal policies like foreign aid, immigration, pacifism, and gun control, while those with higher responsiveness favored conservative policies like defense spending and capital punishment.
  • The findings imply that a person’s physiological reactions to threats can influence their political beliefs, particularly regarding policies aimed at protecting the social order from external and internal threats.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Michael Bang Petersen
@M_B_Petersen · X

The seminal study in @sciencemagazine found that conservatives react with higher EDA to threat pics: https://t.co/UvHMBYfpEG. Follow-up studies celebrate EDA as an efficient behavioural measure of arousal. Yet, no attempts in poli sci had been done to validate measures. [2/11]

Nov 25, 2021 · 17 likes · 1 share · 30,441 followers View post →
Maya Contreras
@mayatcontreras · X

5/Hypersensitivity to Threat: "Science has unequivocally shown that the conservative brain has an exaggerated fear response when faced with stimuli that may be perceived as threatening." https://t.co/OdSvK9z42g

Aug 17, 2020 · 10 likes · 4 shares · 20,833 followers View post →
Red de Lingüistas en Formación
@relifargentina · X

En un estudio sobre actitudes políticas se vio una correlación entre ideas conservadoras (apoyo a gastos militares, pena de muerte, etc.) y reacciones físicas frente a imágenes amenazantes: las personas más conservadoras son más miedosas #InfoDeLaBuena https://t.co/8UQi5akuys (+) https://t.co/moml0IVNaZ

Sep 1, 2021 · 5 likes · 3,114 followers View post →
Yuuko Morimoto
@myuuko · X

これが元論文か。Science 対 Nature的な?/ Political Attitudes Vary with Physiological Traits https://t.co/CoTjyIUReu

Dec 19, 2022 · 2 likes · 9,275 followers View post →
Александр Замятин
@zamyatin_aa · X

Science отказался публиковать исследование, опровергающее результаты известной работы "Political Attitudes Vary with Physiological Traits" Дугласа и др., на которое ссылаются адепты теории влияния физиологических особенностей людей с политическими убеждениями. Вышел скандал. https://t.co/y8mBvd5qVT

Jul 7, 2019 · 2 likes · 2,307 followers View post →
Vᥱbᥙᥣιᥒ
@Vebulin · X

Se observó una correlación entre ideas conservadoras (apoyo a gastos militares, pena de muerte, etc.) y reacciones físicas frente a imágenes amenazantes: las personas más conservadoras son más miedosas. #InfoDeLaBuena Fuente: https://t.co/KUArREWiGD https://t.co/En9oqB2LjH

Sep 1, 2021 · 1 like · 911 followers View post →

All mentions

Le Veilleur
@CroiseAlaCape · X

3- Oxley et al. (2008) — Political Attitudes Vary with Physiological Traits Étude montrant une corrélation entre réponses physiologiques au « threat/disgust » et attitudes politiques (plus de réactivité associée au conservatisme). /12

Oct 31, 2025 · 1 like · 870 followers View post →
Le Veilleur
@CroiseAlaCape · X

Important mais non causal ; les auteurs eux-mêmes soulignent des limites. /13 https://t.co/9rJogZtYl4

Oct 31, 2025 · 1 like · 870 followers View post →
The Stylish LinuxLass
@LinuxLass · X

@TheSmilingJoker @AftgalleyGreg @LeavittMedia You've been misinformed, especially about lying. As Trump shows us, a consistent is hard to maintain, so I just do truth. https://t.co/lEaZKR6w1Z https://t.co/dvMuWydK26 https://t.co/XU6vZp4jgQ There are various studies showing conservatives are potentially more threat adverse. https://t.co/JEVuXAjK19

Sep 28, 2025 · 147 followers View post →
pinkheretic
@pinkheretic · X

@_phoenix_btc @blowingtom2 Those articles are based on scientific studies which were literally included in the article. Well done on proving you didn’t read it. Your article is on mental well being, not about fear being a driver for conservatism.

Sep 22, 2025 · 36,507 followers View post →
Autumn
@TransF1xed · X

@Rudemf1990 @kerrinnaude @esjesjesj @RobVolatile https://t.co/eNAD5Z37W5 several studies have actually shown conservatives have a greater fear and anxiety response on average, this can help to explain the "reaction" part of "reactionaries"

Jul 18, 2025 · 83 followers View post →
giovane hölderlin
@novabbecerto · X

@blankfacelooser @bbiancawhite https://t.co/WzzP8uHvqn primo studio al riguardo https://t.co/d5HBH8t1qt secondo studio al riguardo, che replica pure il modello sperimentale del primo in ottica di peer reviewing, e conferma parte dei suoi risultati fatevi una lettura invece di guardare l'isola dei famosi

Jun 27, 2025 · 663 followers View post →
weabookenpeitai
@weabookenpeitai · X

@Dan_Seigars @esjesjesj https://t.co/1ual8G8XwI Yeah this study documented that conservatives have stronger physiological responses to threatening stimuli than liberals.

Nov 22, 2024 · 1 like · 113 followers View post →
MCFC Salt Miner
@mcfcsaltmine · X

@MWeaver72139842 I don't know if that means you were or weren't scared at Doncaster. All I know is you were a scared youth and now you're a scared pensioner, that's fairly indicative of right wing thinking. https://t.co/fVh5Y0kGt3

Aug 1, 2024 · 490 followers View post →
Vamanos the Alien Fox #frontpopulaire
@FoxtySix · X

@ByteOctet @zzccmxtp123 @toxavanger Et puis tiens aussi, des études sur le fait qu'être de droite est associé avec une fixation sur le négatif et une difficulté avec les nouvelles idées https://t.co/IjjwJJ3obE https://t.co/Aq2pRvFdOd https://t.co/SG95rIabOG

Jun 27, 2024 · 1 like · 162 followers View post →
slender-billed whalebird
@SWhalebird · X

@zauberberg188 Definitiv, es sind keine reifen, erwachsenen Charaktere. Und die haben keinen Blick für wirkliche Gefahren. Deshalb treffen die auch laufend völlig realitätsfremde Traumtänzer Entscheidungen. https://t.co/JdNye21ZW2

May 21, 2023 · 1,154 followers View post →
SUMOtaku
@AstoriaRego · X

@OrionKidder @notelpmeTy_A @jbouie I thought that watching Fox, etc was what made them so soft & easily afraid. Turns out that being so sensitive is what makes them conservative. Either way, their feelings aren't facts, and the fear of skittish men isn't danger. https://t.co/d3I7KQfHaY

May 8, 2023 · 201 followers View post →
Yuuko Morimoto
@myuuko · X

これが元論文か。Science 対 Nature的な?/ Political Attitudes Vary with Physiological Traits https://t.co/CoTjyIUReu

Dec 19, 2022 · 2 likes · 9,275 followers View post →
Brian
@Stereo_Future · X

@Conblob Not sure about reliable, given the small sample size, but I've always liked: How susceptible are you to jump scares? https://t.co/I9vsvFyjbG

Oct 8, 2022 · 38 followers View post →
Michael Bang Petersen
@M_B_Petersen · X

The seminal study in @sciencemagazine found that conservatives react with higher EDA to threat pics: https://t.co/UvHMBYfpEG. Follow-up studies celebrate EDA as an efficient behavioural measure of arousal. Yet, no attempts in poli sci had been done to validate measures. [2/11]

Nov 25, 2021 · 17 likes · 1 share · 30,441 followers View post →
Vᥱbᥙᥣιᥒ
@Vebulin · X

Se observó una correlación entre ideas conservadoras (apoyo a gastos militares, pena de muerte, etc.) y reacciones físicas frente a imágenes amenazantes: las personas más conservadoras son más miedosas. #InfoDeLaBuena Fuente: https://t.co/KUArREWiGD https://t.co/En9oqB2LjH

Sep 1, 2021 · 1 like · 911 followers View post →
Red de Lingüistas en Formación
@relifargentina · X

En un estudio sobre actitudes políticas se vio una correlación entre ideas conservadoras (apoyo a gastos militares, pena de muerte, etc.) y reacciones físicas frente a imágenes amenazantes: las personas más conservadoras son más miedosas #InfoDeLaBuena https://t.co/8UQi5akuys (+) https://t.co/moml0IVNaZ

Sep 1, 2021 · 5 likes · 3,114 followers View post →
Saraguin Harper
@Saraguin · X

Political attitudes vary with physiological traits https://t.co/8l1hmRQEXJ

Jul 13, 2021 · 359 followers View post →
Jabberwacky
@iamjabberwacky · X

@tracy_1776 @MurphyYuiko @DoubleDumas @BrunTheBear https://t.co/ICsQuFfESq

May 28, 2021 · 2,970 followers View post →
Allen
@dick_b_maximus · X

@RealRedNewsNow1 @aintthatapeach1 @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/S7UQyWTvu3 https://t.co/MSWaTVlXUc https://t.co/dI5DdYbgjx

Dec 1, 2020 · 1 like · 8 followers View post →
Michael.E.Smith
@PathosPhile · X

@Mediabrain99 Consistent with prior research indicating people with conservative attitudes tend to have higher GSR responses to threatening images: Oxley et al (2008). Political attitudes vary with physiological traits. Science 321(5896): 1667-1670

Oct 22, 2020 · 28 followers View post →
Eyes Open
@eyesopen567765 · X

@ProudSocialist https://t.co/xh63YePnhA You are wrong baby man

Oct 17, 2020 · 33 followers View post →
Eyes Open
@eyesopen567765 · X

Political attitudes vary with physiological traits https://t.co/xh63YePnhA @ProudSocialist Just wondering if you've seen literature like this. You're always saying Dems and Repugnants are the same. You are wrong, we're different at a basic physiologic level and we're better.

Sep 10, 2020 · 33 followers View post →
Bad Screenwriter
@BadScreenWrtr · X

@blindIC @DaveBautista They have an extra large amygdala and react to startling stimuli by going berserk https://t.co/mSbhCHlxsc

Aug 25, 2020 · 596 followers View post →
THEE Gregory Stewart
@gstewtwo · X

RT @mayatcontreras: 5/Hypersensitivity to Threat: "Science has unequivocally shown that the conservative brain has an exaggerated fear resp…

Aug 17, 2020 · 4 shares · 2,637 followers View post →
Je suis THEE Michelle
@tafkam08 · X

RT @mayatcontreras: 5/Hypersensitivity to Threat: "Science has unequivocally shown that the conservative brain has an exaggerated fear resp…

Aug 17, 2020 · 4 shares · 4,454 followers View post →
Agri-Braddock
@Rhinocerization · X

RT @mayatcontreras: 5/Hypersensitivity to Threat: "Science has unequivocally shown that the conservative brain has an exaggerated fear resp…

Aug 17, 2020 · 4 shares · 2,015 followers View post →
Maya Contreras
@mayatcontreras · X

5/Hypersensitivity to Threat: "Science has unequivocally shown that the conservative brain has an exaggerated fear response when faced with stimuli that may be perceived as threatening." https://t.co/OdSvK9z42g

Aug 17, 2020 · 10 likes · 4 shares · 20,833 followers View post →
JJ
@JJStyles92 · X

@Notyourmamadou2 @thehill PUBMED IS LIBRUL INDOCTRINATION I AM SMART GEORGE SOROS https://t.co/zY3HOTW21s

Jul 24, 2020 · 171 followers View post →
j.lynnbck.
@Jlynnbck · X

@stanfillg2 @Go4theEyesBoo @Iontheworld @chuckwoolery Another peer reviewed research article that utilized both neuroimaging and behavioral survey and concluded the same thing. Too much primal brain. Struggle with information more, on average. Strong in starting conflicts. https://t.co/NBmHOzNtTb

Jun 19, 2020 · 42 followers View post →
Александр Замятин
@zamyatin_aa · X

Science отказался публиковать исследование, опровергающее результаты известной работы "Political Attitudes Vary with Physiological Traits" Дугласа и др., на которое ссылаются адепты теории влияния физиологических особенностей людей с политическими убеждениями. Вышел скандал. https://t.co/y8mBvd5qVT

Jul 7, 2019 · 2 likes · 2,307 followers View post →
Willis Eschenbach
@WEschenbach · X

@sciencemagazine published a study "Political Attitudes Vary with Physiological Traits" saying that "individuals with measurably lower physical sensitivities to sudden noises and threatening visual images" were more likely to be liberal. Here's Chapter 2 https://t.co/mViolxo1WD

Jun 25, 2019 · 13,369 followers View post →
k-pop закладками
@dead_as_history · X

@NolanRus >Political Attitudes Vary with Physiological Traits >Physiological >Physio

Jun 25, 2019 · 285 followers View post →