The Path from Depressive Symptoms to Subjective Well-Being Among Korean Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mediating Roles of Housing Satisfaction, Social Capital, Future Achievement Readiness, and Occupational Hazards

초록

Background: Recent economic instability and social isolation have increased mental health vulnerabilities among young adults, highlighting the need to clarify how multiple contextual factors shape their subjective well-being. This study explored the relationship between depressive symptoms and subjective well-being among Korean young adults. It also investigated the mediating effects of housing satisfaction, social capital, occupational hazards, and future achievement readiness on this relationship. Methods: A parallel mediation model was used to analyze the mediating effects of housing satisfaction, social capital, future achievement readiness, and occupational hazards on the relationship between depressive symptoms and subjective well-being. The model examined direct and indirect pathways to determine the extent to which these factors influence subjective well-being in young adults. Results: Depressive symptoms were associated with reduced housing satisfaction, social capital, and future achievement readiness, as well as increased exposure to occupational hazards. All four variable associations between depressive symptoms and subjective well-being, suggesting that multiple structural and psychosocial conditions jointly shape young adults' subjective well-being. Conclusions: The findings suggest that conventional mental health services alone may be insufficient. A multifaceted approach-including housing welfare policies, social connection support, employment and adjustment programs, and initiatives that enhance future preparedness-may help mitigate the negative effects of depressive symptoms and improve subjective well-being among young adults.

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