Background
Mental health is an integral component of an individual’s overall well-being, and the intricate interplay between society and mental health has long captured the attention of both scholars and the public. However, the precise influence of social equity perceptions on an individual’s mental health has remained an elusive topic of investigation.
Methods
In this comprehensive study, data were meticulously gathered from a robust sample of 8,922 survey respondents, averaging 47.533 years of age, as part of the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey spanning the years 2016 and 2018. To gauge mental health, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale was utilized. Employing a sophisticated two-way fixed effects regression model, researchers endeavored to unravel the association between social equity perception and individual mental health.
Results
The findings of this study unveiled a noteworthy relationship between an individual’s perception of social equity and their mental well-being (β = -0.944, p < 0.01). Specifically, those individuals with heightened perceptions of social equity tended to report superior mental health outcomes. This critical connection was further illuminated by the mediating roles played by happiness, life satisfaction, and social trust, which collectively underscored the profound impact of social equity perception on mental health. Additionally, the study shed light on the moderating roles assumed by education and age within this complex nexus.
Conclusion
This research underscores the pivotal role that social equity perception plays in shaping mental health outcomes. The implications are far-reaching, suggesting that public policies should be recalibrated to target specific demographics, particularly those with lower educational attainment and older age cohorts, to enhance their social equity perception and, in turn, bolster their mental well-being. In striving for a healthier and more equitable society, these insights serve as a call to action for policymakers and stakeholders alike.
