How Does Emphasizing Bipartisan Agreement Reduce Affective Polarization? Examining Three Dimensions of Perceived Similarity as Mediators

Drawing on intergroup attitude theories, this study examines whether reading a message emphasizing bipartisan agreement reduces animosity toward members of the opposing party by enhancing perceived similarity. We investigate three dimensions of perceived similarity: how individuals believe that Republicans and Democrats share opinions on policies, align on political values, and find common ground in nonpolitical domains. In an online experiment (N = 807), we show that reading a bipartisan message increased perceptions that members of the two parties shared common ground beyond political areas, which, in turn, predicted more favorable attitudes toward opposing party members. These findings suggest the potential of bipartisan messaging in reducing affective polarization.