The Mediating Role of Social Participation in the Relationship Between High-Quality Economic Development and Mental Well-being Among Chinese Elderly

This study examines social participation’s mediating role in the relationship between high-quality economic development (HQED) and Chinese elderly’s mental well-being, using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (12,654 participants aged ≥60). Descriptive statistics show HQED index (mean=0.52, SD=0.18), social participation score (mean=8.2, range=4–18), and mental well-being index (mean=7.6, SD=2.8), reflecting regional and individual variability. Correlations are significant: HQED-social participation (r=0.32, p<0.01), HQED-mental well-being (r=0.28, p<0.01), and social participation-mental well-being (r=0.41, p<0.01). Structural equation modeling (χ²/df=2.36, RMSEA=0.042, CFI=0.95, TLI=0.94) confirms partial mediation: HQED positively affects social participation (a=0.29, p<0.01) and mental well-being directly (c'=0.12, p<0.05); social participation impacts mental well-being (b=0.35, p<0.01). The indirect effect (ab=0.10) accounts for 45.5% of the total effect (0.22), significant via Sobel test (Z=5.82, p<0.01). This extends social capital theory, framing HQED as a "resource converter" fostering participation. Practically, it highlights optimizing participation support (e.g., community funding) to enhance elderly well-being amid economic growth.