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Does Civic Engagement Support Relational and Mental Health of Urban Population?

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  • Michal Hrivnák

    (Institute of Regional and Rural Development, Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia)

  • Peter Moritz

    (Institute of Regional and Rural Development, Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia)

  • Katarína Melichová

    (Institute of Regional and Rural Development, Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia)

  • Soňa Bellérová

    (Institute of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia)

Abstract

There is a general assumption that there is a relationship between civic engagement and mental health, but it has still received limited attention in empirical studies. This study provides estimates of the impact of civic engagement (measured in terms of political and community engagement) on the health of individuals in the case of a medium-sized urban settlement within the context of a post-socialist country. The impacts of civic engagement on mental and relational health are distinguished, which have received little attention in studies on the topic. Using primary data and utilising the tools of econometrics, we found positive effects of the population’s community engagement, including positive effects of volunteering, on relational health. Political participation of the population contributed to the reduction of depressive symptoms, but the relationship between community engagement and mental health was not found. A relatively high propensity towards participation in health and well-being projects, leading to improvements in the collective approach to public health and addressing unhealthy conditions in communities, was identified in the sample.

Suggested Citation

  • Michal Hrivnák & Peter Moritz & Katarína Melichová & Soňa Bellérová, 2023. "Does Civic Engagement Support Relational and Mental Health of Urban Population?," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:13:y:2023:i:2:p:46-:d:1071532
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    References listed on IDEAS

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