Effects of objective and subjective indicators of economic inequality on subjective well?being: Underlying mechanisms

Much research found that economic inequality—the dispersion of incomes distribution among individuals in a society—affects subjective well-being (SWB). As meta-analysis has shown, the association between inequality, commonly measured by Gini index, and individuals' SWB is weak not significant. Psychosocial suggests situational perception, rather than objective reality, greater impact on individuals. Our aim was to investigate whether how measures inequality affect well-being, both its affective cognitive components. A representative Italian sample (N = 1446, 51% women; average age 42.42 years, SD 12.87) answered an online survey. Multilevel regressions detected negative significant effect perception well-being. In contrast, index showed no effect. Two psychological mechanisms explain perceived well-being: Perceived anger toward vulnerability. The parallel mediation models conveyed (economic vulnerability) emotional (anger) processing inequality. Findings also highlighted role ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.