Socioeconomic status moderate the relationship between mental health literacy, social participation, and active aging among Chinese older adults: Evidence from a moderated network analysis

Abstract Objective Population aging presents a significant global challenge, with China's population aging at an accelerated rate. Several studies have established a directional link between mental health literacy, social participation, and active aging, though the moderating effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on this relationship remains unclear. Previous literature primarily utilized total score analyses, prompting this study to address the gap through moderated network analysis. Methods A cross-sectional design was employed with a sample of 1032 Chinese elders (age ≥ 60) who completed the Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire, Active Aging Scale, Social Participation Questionnaire, and Socioeconomic Status Index Scale. The moderated network approach was utilized to examine the bidirectional relationships among mental health literacy, social participation, and active aging, alongside the moderating role of SES. Results The analysis revealed that the strongest bidirectional relationships were between attitudes toward mental illnesses and developing spiritual wisdom. The number of interaction terms among mental health literacy, social participation, and active aging moderated by SES was seven. Additionally, the most significant interaction terms were between attitudes toward mental illnesses and engaging in active learning. Conclusions These findings offer new evidence on the bidirectional relationships among mental health literacy, social participation, and active aging, as well as the interaction terms moderated by SES. They provide pivotal theoretical and practical insights, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive policy measures addressing socioeconomic disparities in later life to promote active aging.