How Does Political Identity Develop? Diary Study During the Federal Election

Political interest among young people in Germany is higher than it has been in decades. In the 2024 Shell Youth Study, 55 percent of respondents aged 12 to 25 described themselves as politically interested. But what lies behind this figure? Dr. Anna-Maria Mayer, research associate at the Professorship of Empirical Educational Science at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, is exploring this question through the diary study “Identiday” conducted in parallel with the federal election. The study seeks to uncover how political and civic identity takes shape in everyday life.

“Youth and the years that follow are a very important phase for the development of political attitudes and political engagement, which often become more deeply rooted over time,” explains Mayer. “Our civic and political identity is largely formed during this period.” To better understand the everyday situations in which young people engage with politics, Anna-Maria Mayer has launched this diary study.

For two weeks, participants will report daily on their experiences related to politics. Using an app and voice messages, they will reflect on questions such as whether – and in what situation – they felt like an active part of society that day. “Some may consider themselves politically inactive, but actually aren’t – for example, if they’re involved in clubs or follow political events,” Mayer, a trained psychologist, emphasizes. “These everyday experiences are particularly interesting because they accumulate over time and shape our perspective.”

Mayer is currently looking for additional participants between the ages of 18 and 24 to take part in the study. The 14-day diary phase can begin flexibly until February 20. Participants will receive compensation of up to 25 euros. Anyone interested can sign up here: https://avicennaresearch.com/study/4211/