Republicans More Likely to Be Satisfied With Their Lives Than Democrats

Republicans are more likely to be satisfied with their lives than Democrats are, according to a new poll conducted by the reproductive rights organization All* Above All.

The survey of 1,000 registered voters found that satisfaction with day-to-day life varied between Republicans and Democrats. While 81 percent of Republicans were satisfied with their lives, only 74 percent of Democrats said the same.

Why It Matters

The gap between Republicans and Democrats’ satisfaction levels with day-to-day life could reflect larger reactions to the current political landscape or be tied to individual factors like personal finances and mental health.

What To Know

In the All* Above All survey, Democrats were also more likely to say they were dissatisfied than their Republican counterparts.

While 24 percent of Democrats were dissatisfied with day-to-day life, only 18 percent of Republicans said the same.

The findings were similar when it came to satisfaction with the state of the nation, with a whopping 74 percent of Republicans saying they were satisfied, compared to 10 percent of Democrats.

“Media consumption may play a role… with conservative media emphasizing patriotism and optimism, whereas liberal media can focus on systemic problems,” Hallie Kritsas, a licensed mental health counselor with Thriveworks, told Newsweek. “There is value in both, but they shape our emotional climate differently.”

Across all surveyed groups, Black men under age 35 were the least satisfied, with only 9 percent saying they were content with their day-to-day life.

What People Are Saying

Nourbese Flint, president of All* Above All, said in a press release: “The American dream is no longer built for everyday Americans and people are clocking out a system that is unsustainable for them. Across the board, voters want the same things: safety, fairness, and the ability to thrive. When you de-politicize these issues, the progressive agenda emerges as a winner. But we need to deal with the relational crisis that’s driving isolation and division. This disconnect is a public health crisis.”

Hallie Kritsas, a licensed mental health counselor with Thriveworks, told Newsweek: “The reason there could be a difference between Republicans and Democrats in terms of life satisfaction may be rooted in both personality and worldview differences. Conservatives tend to value stability and tradition, which are traits that often foster a sense of control and emotional security. Many also have strong religious and community ties.”

What Happens Next

As political polarization surges, Republicans’ and Democrats’ concepts of day-to-day life could become increasingly different. This could prevent key alliances between Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate, where Republicans maintain a majority.

“Higher satisfaction doesn’t always mean that things are better; it can just show where someone focuses their attention,” Kritsas said. “For those who feel what is going on in the world more deeply, emotional boundaries and self-care are key to staying grounded.”