The Moderating Effect of Values on the Relationship between Subjective Social Status and Depression: Evidence from MIDUS

Abstract

The relationship between subjective social status (SSS) and mental health and its underlying mechanisms remain an area of interest in the social sciences. Using data from the Midlife in the United States 2 (MIDUS 2), we examine how individual differences in valuing achievement and autonomy moderate the relationship between SSS and symptoms of depression. We find evidence of a moderation effect; there is a weaker relationship between SSS and depression for individuals who strongly hold the values of achievement or autonomy. In addition, at low levels of SSS, there are significant differences in the number of depression symptoms depending on personal values which are not seen at higher rungs of the SSS ladder, indicating a difference in this relationship dependent on how strongly one holds values of achievement and autonomy. We conclude by speculating on the mechanisms by which values shape the link between SSS and mental well-being and suggest future directions in studying values.