Does Political Participation Ameliorate the Deleterious Effect of Exposure to Multiple Discrimination on Loneliness?

This study aimed to examine the relationship between exposure to multiple discrimination and loneliness, and to analyze whether and how political participation moderates this relationship. Data were drawn from the 2022 Korea Social Integration Survey conducted by the Korea Institute of Public Administration. Multiple regression analysis was used. The findings showed a positive relationship between exposure to discrimination and loneliness. As the level of multiple discrimination increased, the level of loneliness increased. The interaction between multiple discrimination and political participation was also detected. Specifically, higher levels of political participation mitigated the negative impact of discrimination on loneliness, while lower levels of participation intensified this effect. These findings suggest not only that multiple discrimination increases the sense of loneliness among those who are discriminated against, but also that political participation can function as an important coping resource against the adverse effects of discrimination. Discrimination may heighten feelings of loneliness and marginalization. However, political participation can offer opportunities for social engagement and serve as a means for marginalized voices to be heard, thereby reducing the harmful effects of discrimination. This study discusses these implications in light of recognition theory.