Recent research, highlighted by evolutionary scientist Steve Stewart-Williams, suggests a significant association between adherence to a "woke" worldview and elevated levels of depression and anxiety. A Finnish study, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, utilized a newly developed assessment tool to explore the prevalence and impact of critical social justice attitudes, revealing this notable correlation among its participants. The findings contribute to a growing body of research examining the psychological effects of political ideologies.
The study, led by Finnish psychologist Oskari Lahtinen, developed a seven-item scale called the Critical Social Justice Attitudes Scale (CSJAS) to measure agreement with "woke" beliefs. Researchers aimed to provide empirical data in an area often characterized by "data-free" debate, as noted by Lahtinen. The assessment's application in a national survey found that stronger alignment with these attitudes correlated with heightened instances of anxiety and depression.
Steve Stewart-Williams, commenting on the research, defined "wokeness" broadly as "an extreme form of progressive politics, occupying the same region of conceptual space as political correctness, identity politics, and social justice." He explained that at its core, this framework often divides the world into oppressors and oppressed. The original tweet by Stewart-Williams stated, > "Research suggest that the 'woke' worldview is associated with depression and anxiety."
While the study identifies a correlation, the causal direction remains an open question, according to Stewart-Williams. He posits that "Do woke beliefs cause depression and anxiety, or do depression and anxiety make woke beliefs more appealing? At this stage, we don’t know – but it seems plausible that the causal arrow points in both directions." The research also indicated that while found in both sexes, "woke" beliefs are more common among women.
The development of the CSJAS is intended to serve as a tool for future research, including studies beyond Finland, to further understand the psychological and sociological dimensions of critical social justice attitudes. This ongoing inquiry aims to shed light on the complex interplay between political beliefs and mental well-being within contemporary society.
