The relationship between employment status and mental health among adults of different groups in Taiwan: a study with artistic leisure as a moderator

The relationship between the employment status and mental health is well established, yet the behavioural mechanisms underlying this association across age groups remain unclear. This study investigates whether artistic leisure moderates the association between employment status and mental health, measured with the 12-item Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ-12), using nationally representative survey data from Taiwanese adults aged 18 and above. Participants were categorised into three groups. Descriptive statistics summarised mental health prevalence, and χ² tests assessed associations across age groups. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for sociodemographic factors, religious affiliation, financial sufficiency, and physical health, was employed to examine the relationship. The prevalence of good mental health was highest among older adults (84.83%), followed by young (79.25%) and middle-aged adults (78.76%). Artistic leisure significantly moderated the association between employment and mental health in young adults, with those in employment who engaged in artistic activities reporting better outcomes (AOR=4.22, 95% CI: 1.98-8.96). No significant moderating association was found in the older age groups. These findings suggest that employment plays a critical role in the mental well-being of young adults, highlighting the importance of understanding the contexts and motivations behind their engagement in artistic leisure.