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Longitudinal associations between perception of future time and subjective well-being among middle-aged and older people in China: the moderating roles of individual health and socioeconomic status

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Abstract

Purpose

This study examined the longitudinal association between perception of future time (PFT) and subjective well-being among middle- and old-aged people in China, and investigated the moderating roles of individual health resources and socioeconomic status (SES) in the association between PFT and subjective well-being.

Methods

Data for this study drew from a final sample of 10,644 respondents aged 45 years and above from four waves (2011–2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Subjective well-being was measured by depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Multilevel linear modelling (MLM) was applied to analyse the main effects of PFT on depressive symptoms and life satisfaction over time and the moderating effects of individual health resources and SES.

Results

After controlling for the covariates, perceived future time as extended was associated with fewer depressive symptoms (β = − 0.85, p < 0.001) and higher levels of life satisfaction (β = 0.07, p < 0.001). Significant moderating effects of individual health resources (self-rated health, functional limitations and chronic diseases) and SES (urban–rural hukou) were found in associations between PFT and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Perceived future time as extended was associated with better subjective well-being. These associations differed in relation to different individual health resources and SES. This study extends understanding of Socioemotional Selectivity Theory and helps identify vulnerable people when they feel near to death.

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The author declares that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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  1. Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

    Shiyu Lu

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  1. Shiyu Lu
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Correspondence to Shiyu Lu.

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Ethical approval

The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study was ethically approved by the institutional review board of Peking University. All respondents provided written informed consent, and all data were deidentified.

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All respondents provided written informed consent in The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

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Lu, S. Longitudinal associations between perception of future time and subjective well-being among middle-aged and older people in China: the moderating roles of individual health and socioeconomic status. Qual Life Res 31, 3009–3018 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-022-03163-6

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