Protective effects of belief in a just world on mental health in urban Chinese young adults: presence of meaning in life as a mediator

Abstract This study examined the distinct impacts of personal belief in a just world (hereinafter, PBJW) and general belief in a just world (hereinafter, GBJW) on the mental health of employed and unemployed youth in urban China, highlighting the mediating role of the presence of meaning in life (hereinafter, PML). Using a sample of 2075 young adults, structural equation modeling was employed to assess the relationship between PBJW, GBJW, PML, and mental health outcomes, including positive emotions and psychological symptoms. PBJW significantly enhanced positive emotions and reduced psychological symptoms for both groups. Conversely, GBJW demonstrated inconsistent and negative impacts on mental health outcomes, particularly among employed youth. The mediating role of PML in the relationship between PBJW and mental health outcomes is highlighted. Notably, this study was the first to find that PML suppresses the negative effects of GBJW on mental health outcome, indicating a complex interplay that buffers the direct impact of GBJW. These findings underscore the necessity to distinguish PBJW and GBJW in mental health research, especially within different cultural contexts and employment statuses. The study provides theoretical insights and practical implications for developing tailored interventions that foster PBJW and meaningful life in order to promote mental well-being.