Who Is More Vulnerable? The Age-Period-Cohort Effect of Psychological Distress among Urban Residents in China

How does psychological distress evolve over time? This study utilizes cross-sectional data from the China General Social Survey from 2010 to 2017 to explore the differences in psychological distress among Chinese residents at various ages, periods, and cohorts. The dummy variable method and random effects hierarchical age-period-cohort model were employed to isolate the age, period, and cohort effects that impacted the psychological distress of Chinese urban residents. First, in terms of the age effect, the psychological distress experienced by residents tends to increase initially and then decrease with age. Middle-aged individuals, around 40 years old, often face a particularly severe form of psychological distress known as the “midlife crisis.” Additionally, middle-aged people who have larger families may experience more significant psychological distress due to increased family burdens. Second, in terms of the period effect, the psychological distress experienced by residents has been on the rise due to the continued development of society. Those who are at a disadvantage in market competition and work longer hours may be particularly vulnerable to increased psychological distress. Thirdly, the cohort effect refers to the different social behaviors and attitudes exhibited by individuals of different generations. In terms of this effect, psychological distress initially decreased and then increased among those born between 1945 and 1990. Individuals born in the 1980s and 1990s experienced higher levels of psychological distress, with internet use having a greater negative impact. Additionally, the positive effect of income on their psychological distress was reduced. The psychological distress of Chinese urban residents is affected by a variety of time-related factors, which are closely related to Chinese clan culture, market competition and social changes. The heavy family burden imposed by traditional clan culture, the different working conditions created by market competition, and the emergence of new lifestyles, such as internet use during social changes, have led to diverse psychological distress experiences among residents across different ages, time periods, and cohorts. In the future, longitudinal studies are needed to strengthen the robustness of the conclusions and consider the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health support should pay specific attention to the psychological distress of middle-aged individuals, long-time workers, and internet users.