Brexit and Wellbeing: Strained Intergroup Relations and Positive Intergroup Contact Predict Wellbeing of Remainers and Leavers Post Brexit

Abstract

Britain's exit from the European Union has divided the public, making it crucial to understand its implications for wellbeing. In two survey studies (N = 280, April 2020; N = 575, Nov 2020–July 2021) we examined how subjective wellbeing (mental wellbeing, MW; life satisfaction, LS) is predicted by Brexit attitudes and strained intergroup relations between UK Remainers and Leavers. We further tested whether positive intergroup contact is associated with wellbeing outcomes, via intergroup anxiety. Wellbeing was higher among Leavers than Remainers in Study 2. Negative intergroup emotions predicted lower MW for Remainers (Study 1). Perceived outgroup respect predicted higher MW for both groups, more so for Leavers (Study 2). Brexit identity negatively predicted wellbeing (Study 2), while contact quality positively predicted wellbeing (MW, Studies 1 and 2; LS, Study 2), via intergroup anxiety. Positive Brexit attitudes predicted greater wellbeing, especially for Leavers (Study 2). Greater wellbeing among Leavers may be attributed to the congruence between personal and perceived environmental values in the aftermath of Brexit. Strained intergroup relations were linked with lower wellbeing and positive contact was associated with higher wellbeing, via intergroup anxiety. Our research offers insights for interventions aimed at promoting wellbeing in polarized contexts by considering intergroup dynamics.