Wang Peicheng, Zhang Yujie
School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China.
School of Public Policy and Administration, Chongqing University, Shapingba District, Chongqing, China.
PLoS One. 2025 Mar 25;20(3):e0320560. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0320560. eCollection 2025.
In the context of China's rapid transition from a collectivist work-unit system to a more individualized, community-oriented society, this study investigates the relationship between personal magnetism-an individual's social appeal-and its protective role in mitigating depression.
This study aims to examine the moderating role of perceived inequality and the mediating effect of community trust in the relationship between personal magnetism and depression.
Utilizing longitudinal data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2018 to 2020, involving 26,711 respondents aged 16 to 96, this study employs multivariate regression models to explore these relationships.
The findings reveal that perceived inequality amplifies the negative relationship between personal magnetism and depression, suggesting that personal magnetism becomes less effective in alleviating depressive symptoms in contexts of higher inequality. Additionally, community trust is identified as a key mediator, explaining how strong social networks can buffer the psychological effects of inequality and enhance mental well-being.
The findings underscore the importance of fostering community trust and addressing income inequality in public policy. By leveraging the positive effects of personal magnetism and social solidarity, targeted interventions can reduce depression and enhance collective well-being in societies undergoing socio-economic transformation.
在中国从集体主义的工作单位制度迅速向更加个体化、以社区为导向的社会转型的背景下，本研究调查个人魅力（个人的社会吸引力）与其在减轻抑郁方面的保护作用之间的关系。
本研究旨在检验感知不平等的调节作用以及社区信任在个人魅力与抑郁关系中的中介作用。
利用2018年至2020年中国家庭追踪调查（CFPS）的纵向数据，涉及26711名年龄在16至96岁之间的受访者，本研究采用多元回归模型来探究这些关系。
研究结果表明，感知不平等加剧了个人魅力与抑郁之间的负相关关系，这表明在不平等程度较高的情况下，个人魅力在减轻抑郁症状方面的效果会减弱。此外，社区信任被确定为一个关键中介变量，解释了强大的社会网络如何能够缓冲不平等的心理影响并增进心理健康。
研究结果强调了在公共政策中培养社区信任和解决收入不平等问题的重要性。通过利用个人魅力和社会团结的积极影响，有针对性的干预措施可以在经历社会经济转型的社会中减少抑郁并提高集体福祉。
