Examining the link between housing characteristics and individual mental health within the context of socio-spatial inequality in China

Housing is not only a fundamental necessity but also a critical investment that significantly impacts mental health. This study investigates the relationship between residential and financial housing attributes and depressive symptoms, with a focus on the moderating role of socio-spatial factors, particularly housing inequality. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) and applying hierarchical linear modeling, the analysis compares the explanatory power of residential attributes (i.e., space, condition, and neighborhood environment) and financial attributes (i.e., tenure, quantity, wealth, and affordability) in relation to mental health outcomes. The results indicate that residential attributes—such as the quality and environment of the living space—are more strongly and consistently associated with depressive symptoms than financial attributes. Additionally, housing inequality is found to be linked to higher levels of depression, diminishing the mental health benefits of favorable individual housing, especially in regions with greater inequality. In these areas, individuals with more affordable homes and larger housing spaces are particularly vulnerable to the psychological effects of housing inequality, suggesting that socio-spatial dynamics significantly influence the housing-mental health relationship. These findings underscore the need for policies that not only address the physical and financial dimensions of housing but also tackle the broader structural inequalities that affect residents' well-being.