Anomie and depressive symptoms: The moderating role of social support and economic activity status

This study examined the multiple additive moderation effects of social support and economic activity status on the relationship between anomie and depression in youth. The research data were derived from “A Survey on the Living Conditions and Welfare Needs of Youth”, which included 2,984 individuals aged 19--34 years as study subjects for analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis and multiple additive moderation effects analysis were conducted via SPSS 27.0 and Process Macro Model 2. First, it was found that anomie had a positive (+) effect on depressive symptoms. Second, social support had a negative effect on the relationship between youth anomie and depressive symptoms, and economic activity status had a positive effect. Third, economic activity status and social support had multiple additive moderation effects on the relationship between youths’ anomie and depressive symptoms. In other words, an economically inactive youth with lower social support has a stronger influence of anomie on depressive symptoms. These results suggest that anomie is the main cause of depressive symptoms at the social structure level and can be used to provide policies and interventions for the promotion of the mental health of youth in the future.