Exploring the relationship between multiple dimensions of subjective socioeconomic status and self-reported physical and mental health: the mediating role of affect

Introduction This study aimed to investigate the predictive effects of two types subjective socioeconomic status on self-reported physical and mental health. Specifically, we examined MacArthur Scale (MacArthur) which measures perceived rank in society a novel scale called ComSim, assessed how participants compared themselves socioeconomically others coming from similar background. We also considered influence income, education, personal relative deprivation (PRD) these analyses. Additionally, explored whether were mediated through negative positive affect. Methods The data collected cross-sectional, two-wave survey 294 women men, with mean age 41.6 years. Participants recruited via an online platform. Results results multivariate regression models revealed that measured both ComSim significantly predicted health measures, whereas income education did not predict any full models. PRD only Mediation analyses showed affect relationships between by measures. Discussion These findings are discussed context similarity hypothesis social comparison theory. underscore importance considering multiple dimensions when examining disparities.