In a context of growing ideological polarization and social fragmentation, promoting citizen participation among adolescents and emerging adults appears as a key strategy to strengthen democratic resilience. This contribution analyzes the results of three field studies conducted in Spain, involving a total of 592 children aged 10 to 12 years.
The evaluation was based on transversal and longitudinal field studies, combining tailored questionnaires adapted to the objectives of each intervention and systematic observation of group dynamics. The analyzed programs, "Ágora Infantil" and "Ágora OS!", implemented deliberative participation methodologies, focusing on cooperative dynamics, games, and collective decision-making processes.
The results show that participation fosters psychological empowerment (intrapersonal and interactional dimensions) and strengthens group identification. In addition, systematic observation during the "Ágora Infantil" program revealed a significant improvement in positive peer interactions, promoting a climate of cooperation and respect. Furthermore, the analysis of the "Ágora OS!" program shows that deliberative participation can reduce issue-based polarization, particularly among those with initially lower levels of concern about climate change, although no significant changes were observed regarding affective polarization.
These findings highlight that early citizen participation, when inclusive, deliberative, and structured, not only promotes democratic skills and critical thinking but also acts as a protective mechanism for the psychosocial well-being of young people, fostering their sense of belonging, empowerment, and emotional health. In this way, participation decisively contributes to strengthening democratic resilience by promoting more cohesive, critical, and engaged societies.