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Psychological distress and voting behaviour in nine countries of the former Soviet Union

Authors :
Stickley, Andrew
Sumiyoshi, T.
Kondo, N.
Leinsalu, Mall
Inoue, Y.
Ruchkin, V.
Shin, J. I.
McKee, M.
Stickley, Andrew
Sumiyoshi, T.
Kondo, N.
Leinsalu, Mall
Inoue, Y.
Ruchkin, V.
Shin, J. I.
McKee, M.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Poorer mental health is linked to a lower likelihood of voting in elections. However, little is known about this association in non-Western settings. This study examined the association between psychological distress and voting in nine countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU). Data were analysed from 18,000 respondents aged ≥ 18 in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Ukraine collected during the Health in Times of Transition (HITT) survey in 2010/11. Information was collected on previous voting behaviour and future voting intentions. Psychological distress was assessed with a 12-item scale. In pooled multivariable logistic regression analyses psychological distress was significantly associated with ‘never voting’ (not having voted previously or intending to vote in future) and ‘past voting only’ (having voted previously but not intending to vote in future). In stratified analyses psychological distress was linked to never voting in women and working-age adults. The significant association between psychological distress and voting was observed only in hybrid political regimes. Psychological distress is associated with a reduced likelihood of voting in FSU countries especially among women, working-age adults and those in hybrid political regimes.

Details

Database :
OAIster
Notes :
English
Publication Type :
Electronic Resource
Accession number :
edsoai.on1428120483
Document Type :
Electronic Resource
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038.s41598-023-49071-8