How Social Trust Affects Young Adults’ Mental Health: Chain Mediation Effects of Social Sustainability in Communities

The community is the primary living environment of youth groups and serves as a bridge between the individual and society. However, few studies have examined how the social environment affects mental health by influencing the social sustainability of the community. This study examines the chain mediating effects of neighbor interactions, reciprocity, and perceived work stress (i.e., social sustainability of communities) in the association of social trust (i.e., social environment) and mental health among Chinese young adults. The data came from the cross-section data from the Chinese General Social Survey (2021). Multiple linear regression models revealed that both social trust and neighbor interactions were significantly and positively related to the mental health of young adults. The structural equation model revealed that social trust had a direct effect on increasing neighbor interactions, which in turn indirectly influenced neighbor reciprocity and perceived work stress, and gradually resulted in the reduction of depressed mood. The findings indicate that neighbor interactions could be advocated and strengthened in communities. Additionally, policymakers should create a more trusting and inclusive social environment to improve the mental health of young adults.