Abstract
AbstractPurposePolitical participation has been identified as a predictor of mental health. Previous research studies have reported mixed results concerning the relationship between political participation and mental health. Moreover, findings have generally been confined to the between‐individual level. The few studies that investigated within‐person associations have not examined bidirectionality. In the current study, the bidirectional relationship between political participation and mental health was investigated.MethodsData from the GESIS Panel study were used to assess the bidirectional association between political participation and mental health. The GESIS Panel study is a probability‐based panel representative of the German‐speaking population residing in Germany and aged between 18 and 70 years (M = 44.52; SD = 14.67; 52 percent female participants). Mental health was assessed using measures of depression symptoms and subjective well‐being.ResultsUsing up to nine waves of longitudinal survey data, a random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel model indicated little evidence for cross‐lagged effects from political participation to mental health or vice versa. Notwithstanding, few significant cross‐lagged paths were observed.ConclusionsOverall, the findings were not consistent with the theorized effect of political participation on mental health. Moreover, there is little evidence that mental health affects political participation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.