Confirming the Factor Structure of Youth Political Participation and Its Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis in Bangkok

Abstract

This study validates a multidimensional model of Youth Political Participation (YPP) among Bangkok youth. Using confirmatory factor analysis and second-order structural equation modeling, we assess a three-factor structure: Electoral Participation (EP), Civic Participation (NC), and Digital Political Activism (DPA), and test a higher-order YPP construct. The measurement model demonstrates strong reliability and convergent/discriminant validity, with all indicators loading positively on their intended factors. The second-order model fits well and reveals asymmetric channel expression: YPP strongly predicts DPA, moderately predicts NC, and weakly relates to EP. These findings portray youth engagement as multimodal and digitally oriented, while highlighting additional institutional supports needed to translate generalized participation into electoral behavior. Policy and educational implications are outlined for advancing SDG 16 (inclusive institutions) and SDG 10 (political inclusion), including digital civic hubs, youth co-creation mechanisms, and curriculum-embedded civic learning.