Residential Status Disparities in Social Participation and Quality of Life Among Chinese Children: The Mediating Role of Social Skills and Smartphone Addiction

Abstract

The relationship between social participation and quality of life (QoL) remains unclear, and scant investigation has been conducted to explore its underlying mechanisms. This study is aimed at elucidating this connection among Chinese children, emphasizing the mediating roles of social skills and smartphone addiction, alongside the moderating effect of residential status. Data was gathered from Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, comprising 639 children (53.7% girls), aged between 12 and 18 years (mean age = 15 years, SD = 1.65). Results indicated that social participation was positively associated with children's QoL, with both social skills and smartphone addiction mediating the link. Additionally, residential status moderated the relationship between social participation and QoL, exhibiting a stronger effect on children in urban areas than their rural counterparts. These findings highlight the necessity to enhance social participation among children and further promote balanced development between rural and urban areas in China.