The associations between discrete emotions and political learning: A cross-disciplinary meta-analysis and systematic review

Abstract

In recent decades, researchers' interest in the role of emotions in individual political learning has grown. However, it is still unclear whether and how discrete emotions are associated with political learning. Through a cross-disciplinary multilevel meta-analysis and systematic review (k = 66, N = 486), we address this question by analyzing various associations of political learning, such as political attention, information seeking, discussions, knowledge, and knowledge gain. We uncovered small positive associations (r =.05 to.13.) for activating emotions, of both negative (especially anger) and positive valence (e.g., enthusiasm, only in cross-sectional designs), but no associations for deactivating emotions. We discuss theoretical implications and recommend future research to include previously unconsidered emotions in order to extend existing findings.