Dirty Environment, Dark Mood: Exploring the Link Between Perceived Environmental Pollution and Depression Risk

To explore the impact of perceived environmental pollution on individual depression risk and the mechanisms involved, particularly the mediating roles of health level and life confidence. Ordinary least squares, Ologit, and Oprobit models were employed to analyze data from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies to test the hypothesized relations outlined above. The findings indicate that perceived environmental pollution significantly increases depression risk (β = 0.052, p < 0.01). Both health level and life confidence serve as mediators in this relationship, forming a serial mediation mechanism. This study reveals the negative impact of perceived environmental pollution on mental health. It emphasizes the importance of improving public health levels and life confidence and provides an evidence base for related policies.