Socioeconomic status, communication activity patterns, and subjective well-being: Evidence from a nationally representative sample in China

This study investigated the relationship between subjective/objective socioeconomic status (SES) and self/society-oriented subjective well-being (SWB) and the moderation effect of communication activity patterns in a nationally representative sample of Chinese citizens. We found that both subjective and objective SES were related to SWB, but the association varied by SES type and age group. Three kinds of communication activity patterns emerged across different age groups: balanced, mixed, and singular. A complex moderation effect of communication activity patterns also shaped the relationship between SES and SWB. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of evolving Chinese culture and society.