Repairing cognitive distortions in political divides

Political animosity is on the rise, undermining both well-being and collective responses to global challenges. Interventions to decrease animosity and division often fail to yield lasting, generalized benefits. Drawing on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and new empirical evidence, we argue that entrenched political conflicts are laden with cognitive distortions similar to those observed in clinical contexts. We propose that, by adapting CBT insights to political settings, interventionists can complement and enhance current depolarizing efforts. We provide suggestions for how future efforts should equip individuals to recognize and correct biased thinking outside of the laboratory, offering a pathway toward durably mitigating division and hostility.