Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by significant psychological, social, and physical transformations that significantly impact mental health and behaviors. Civic engagement, encompassing activities such as volunteering, political participation, and environmental behaviors, has been identified as a vital contributor to adolescent development. This review explores the impact of civic engagement on adolescents' mental health and behaviors, drawing on global literature and highlighting regional gaps in understanding.
Civic engagement promotes mental well-being by fostering social connections and providing a sense of purpose and belonging while reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. It has also been shown to mitigate risky behaviors, including substance abuse, and encourage pro-social behaviors and life skills development. Volunteering and environmental behaviors, in particular, stand out as pathways to enhance resilience and personal growth. However, certain types of activism may pose challenges to mental health.
This review also underscores the scarcity of research on civic engagement among adolescents in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where socio-political and economic barriers limit youth participation. Most existing studies in the area focus on college students and political engagement, leaving a critical gap in understanding adolescents' civic engagement and its impact on their mental health and behaviors.
To address this gap, the review emphasizes the need for studies in the MENA region that explore the prevalence and forms of adolescent civic engagement and its effects. These insights are crucial for designing effective interventions to promote adolescent well-being and empower them as active contributors to their communities.