The contentious political environment has created “election anxiety” among many voters nationwide, leading to broken relationships among family and friends, sniping on social media, and anger.

With fewer than two weeks until ballots are actually counted, University of Michigan psychologist David Dunning says people should step away from these stressful moments to find ways to relax.

In his research, Dunning showed that people hold flattering opinions of their competence, character and prospects that cannot be justified from objective evidence—a phenomenon that carries many implications for health, education, the workplace and economic exchange.

Read and listen to the Q&A at Michigan News.