The Psychology of Politicians

Psychologists investigate the minds, personalities and abilities of politicians seeking explanations for their behaviour, health and performance.

The Psychology of Politicians shines psychological insight onto the thoughts and behaviour of politicians, featuring research into elected representatives and voters at national and local level in five European countries, including the UK Houses of Parliament - ideal for all who aspire to become, work with or write about politicians.The Psychology of Politicians explores a topic which fuels public and media debate yet is under-researched and has potentially far-reaching consequences for the success of our political systems. Focusing on research with democratically elected representatives from the UK, Poland and Italy, and on the political behaviour of a former US President and voters' perceptions in the emerging democracy of Ukraine, this book is packed with psychological insights. Using quantitative and qualitative methodologies, the contributors chart the progress of the individual politician from selection as a candidate to becoming established in Parliament examining their qualities as communicators, thinkers and leaders. The impact of work and non-work pressures on their mental well-being and capacity to handle a crisis are probed and the roles of personality traits in politicians' values and in public perceptions of our elected representatives are highlighted.