Why Americans are concealing their true political beliefs

As the midterm elections quickly approach, Americans across the country are discussing their thoughts on trending policy topics with family, friends and colleagues. Just how truthful they are in those conversations, however, is now a reasonable question to consider. A new study from Populace Insights shines light on how deeply American adults are affected by social pressure to fit in, especially when it comes to hot-button political issues.

The report’s findings suggest that American popular culture, and the desire to fit into it, makes the American people look far more politically extreme than they...