Beliefs in Action: Exploring Political and Protest Efficacy among May 9th Protest Participants in Pakistan
Keywords:
May 9 Protests Pakistan, Political Communication, Social Media Mobilization, Media Framing, Political Polarization, Protest DiscourseAbstract
This study examines the psychological and communicative factors shaping persistent protest intentions among participants of Pakistan’s May 9, 2023 protests following the arrest of Imran Khan. Using a cross-sectional survey of 300 respondents recruited through purposive and snowball sampling, the research tests a serial mediation model linking media consumption, political efficacy, protest efficacy, perceived risk, and sustained protest intentions. Findings show that media consumption has a weak direct effect on protest persistence but a strong indirect effect through efficacy beliefs. Political efficacy mediates the relationship negatively, reflecting institutional distrust, whereas protest efficacy positively and significantly strengthens intentions to continue protesting. Participants recognize high legal, physical, and social risks, yet deterrence varies; legal consequences are most inhibiting, while social stigma is least deterring due to strong collective identity. Demographic variables show no significant impact. The findings suggest protest persistence emerges from identity-based efficacy beliefs outweighing perceived state repression in high-risk political contexts.
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