Psychology of 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.

'This book is an outstanding example of psychology at its best, taking a new and novel topic, 'the psychology of politicians', collecting the science and making it readable to all. It explores the nature of their personality, their coping strategies and their cognitive styles. This is a must-read for any politician, political scientist, psychologist or anyone interested in politics.' Cary L. Cooper, CBE, Chair of the Academy of Social Sciences, 'This book is a must for those who aspire to a political life. For those already legislating, pour yourself a stiff drink and start reading!' Peter Hennessy, Attlee Professor of Contemporary British History, Queen Mary, University of London

Ashley Weinberg is a chartered psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Salford. He conducted the first study of stress in UK Members of Parliament as a postgraduate student and has been researching the impact of the job on national politicians for twenty years. He has published books, academic articles and chapters on the importance of psychological health in a range of public sector occupations and completed his PhD on sources of stress in the UK National Health Service. The author of Organizational Stress Management (with Val Sutherland and Cary Cooper, 2010) and Surviving the Workplace (with Cary Cooper, 2007), Dr Weinberg also led the establishment of a Psychology department at the University of Salford and holds an honorary lectureship in Psychology at Manchester University.