Exploring the Association between Life Perceptions and Emotional Profiles in Taiwan: Empirical Evidence from the National Well-Being Indicators Survey

Mental health effects of government transfer payments in urban China-An empirical study based on CFPS panel data

BACKGROUND

Government transfer payments play a crucial role in redistributing wealth and alleviating relative poverty. However, the mental health effects of government transfers remain to be explored. This study aims to explore the internal mechanisms of the mental health effects of government transfer payments by examining individuals' subjective evaluations and attitudes.

METHODS

Based on panel data from the 2016 and 2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) urban sample composition (N = 6645), the PSM-DID model was used to investigate the mental health effects of government transfer payments. Based on the calculation of the PSM-DID model, this study examined the effects of social security satisfaction and subjective social status on the mental health effects of government transfer payments through the mediation model and moderation model.

RESULTS

The study found that, overall, receiving government transfer payments can significantly reduce the level of individual depression. In examining the mechanism linking government transfer payments and mental health, it was discovered that social security satisfaction partially mediates this relationship. Additionally, subjective social status was identified as a negative moderating factor in this relationship, meaning that the alleviating effect of government transfer payments on depression diminishes as subjective social status increases.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, in future policy optimization, firstly, the size and scope of urban government transfer payments should be expanded to directly improve the living standards of recipients. Secondly, social security programs should be strengthened. Thirdly, implementing the targeted interventions to address disparities in subjective social status should be considered.

Life satisfaction and peace of mind among dentists: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to identify the factors associated with the life satisfaction and peace of mind (PoM) of dentists not in full-time clinical training.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional questionnaires were distributed to dentists in Taiwan to collect their life satisfaction, PoM, sociodemographic data, and dental career-related characteristics. Life satisfaction was measured using a 5-item Satisfaction with Life Scale. PoM was measured using a 7-item Peace of Mind Scale. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression models were estimated to explore potential associations between the two scales and the examined factors.

RESULTS

A total of 1196 dentists (45.6% female; mean age = 44.12) completed the questionnaires. The response rate of completed questionnaires from email invitations was 32.9%. On multivariable analysis, life satisfaction and PoM were associated with age (b = 0.008 in both), better perceived health (b = 0.262 and 0.308, respectively), family interaction (b = 0.264 and 0.207, respectively), and friend relationships (b = 0.076 and 0.091, respectively). Being married (b = 0.191), being specialized (b = 0.127), working in private practice, and spending 10 to 39 h per week with patients (b = 0.101 to 0.162) were associated with a higher level of life satisfaction but not PoM.

CONCLUSIONS

Specialists working in private practice without working overtime were associated with better life satisfaction. However, the dentists' health and relationships with family were more related to their subjective well-being than their professional achievements.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Our findings can help policymakers increase awareness of the well-being of general dentists and those in academia or hospitals to promote their mental health.