Psicólogo mostra caminho para conversar com quem defende absurdos na política - Cortes TV GGN

Discussing Political Differences

Psychologist Rafael Maia discusses how to talk with relatives and others who hold strongly opposing political views during an election. He says arguments and facts often fail when there is no emotional connection: people are more likely to listen when they feel their concerns have been heard.

Maia suggests acknowledging someone’s distress without endorsing their conclusions, then asking open-ended questions about what they hope a political position or policy will accomplish. For example, someone who supports widespread gun ownership to feel safer might be asked whether they would feel safer if an ordinary driver involved in a traffic accident were armed. The goal is to help people examine their own assumptions rather than confront them with a list of counterarguments.

He also describes using hypotheticals to expose contradictions, while cautioning against mockery and sarcasm, which can shut down discussion. Not everyone is open to dialogue, so it is worth choosing where to invest effort. In families, rebuilding dialogue and agreeing on boundaries can still matter, even when a conversation does not change anyone’s vote.

The discussion concludes that political opponents should not simply be treated as targets to defeat. Maia suggests that the political left began emphasizing explanation and conversation only after the first round of voting, perhaps later than would have been helpful.

Presenters and Contributors

• Rafael Maia: Psychologist
• Interviewer: Addressed in the subtitles as “NF” (possibly Nassif)