Political identity and the perceived significance of public events among middle-aged adults in Turkey

This study explores the factors influencing the perceived significance of public events among middle-aged adults in Turkey, focusing on the role of political identity. A representative sample of participants from various regions of Turkey (329 females, Mage = 47.26, SD = 1.82; 330 males, Mage = 47.37, SD = 1.83) assessed various characteristics of public events. The results showed that personal significance, relevance to national identity, political significance, and unexpectedness were the strongest predictors of event significance, while emotional impact and consequentiality did not significantly predict perceived significance. Political identity also influenced perceptions, with supporters of the ruling AKP (Justice and Development Party) and opposition CHP (the Republican People's Party) showing different priorities in event significance. Additionally, higher SES was linked to greater perceived significance of events, while higher education was associated with lower significance ratings. These results highlight the complex interplay between political identity, demographic factors, and event characteristics in shaping public event perception.