Antecendents and effects of political participation: A behavioral epidemiological review

Abstract

Political participation and participation in formal social activities more generally are key links between micro and macro levels of social systems. Simultaneously, they have received mixed appraisals as to their health promoting effects and capacities, in particular regarding individual health. This paper reviews studies both on the antecedents and health effects of participation. Regarding the former, policy-related (e.g., social climate) and individual-level (educational resources, social responsibility) variables predict political participation. Regarding effects on health, in line with social psychological theories both from sociology and psychology, strong control beliefs are central preconditions for participation to be promotive of individual health.