The Psychological Benefits of Political Participation

Abstract

This paper asks whether political participation confers psychological benefits. Four hypotheses were tested: that involvement in volunteer activities reduces subsequent psychological distress, that resisting perceived discrimination does, that the benefits of political involvement are more pronounced for respondents prone to psychological distress, and that any observed benefits of political involvement are attributable to a psychological trait. The study employed data from a long-running panel survey. Political activity appeared to be more beneficial for respondents prone to psychological distress. These findings suggest that participation is a resource that alleviates psychological distress, which might offset some of the negative mental health consequences associated with disadvantaged social status. The results are discussed in light of recent theories attributing health benefits to social capital and empowerment.