Yes, I can! Exploring Predictors of Political Participation Profiles Among Greek Adolescents

Understanding patterns of adolescent political participation is essential for healthy democracies. Drawing upon data from Greek youth (n=589, Mage=15.1), this study (1) identified distinct profiles of adolescent political participation, (2) examined predictors of profile membership, and (3) explored transitions between profiles across a one-year period. Latent profile analyses uncovered three profiles that differentiated between their level of engagement in both latent and manifest forms of political participation: “informed enthusiasts” (90%), “activists” (7%), and “involved conventionalists” (2%). Political efficacy, national identity commitment, and perceived ethnic discrimination were predictive of profile membership, while political alienation and national identity exploration and reconsideration were not. Our exploratory analyses revealed a stable profile membership across one year. Our findings highlight the multifaceted nature of youth political participation and underscore the need to broaden its understanding in research and policy.