Why Does Rural-to-Urban Transition Become Increasingly Difficult? Psychology Reveals Psychological Dilemmas in Social Mobility

Why Does Rural-to-Urban Transition Become Increasingly Difficult? Psychology Reveals Psychological Dilemmas in Social Mobility

**Research Overview** A study published in BMC reveals psychological mechanisms behind depressive symptoms in social mobility groups. Research finds subjective social status significantly correlates with depressive symptoms, but involves two important psychological mediators: unfairness perception and job burnout.

**Core Findings** Survey of 1158 social mobility individuals shows each 1-point decrease subjective social status significantly increases depression risk. Research identifies two main psychological pathways:

1. Low subjective social status → Work unfairness perception → Depression 2. Low subjective social status → Job burnout worsening → Depression

**Generational Differences** Research finds distinct psychological mechanism differences across age groups:

- **Older Generation (pre-80s)**: Mainly affected depression through job burnout pathway - **New Generation (post-80s)**: More susceptible work fairness perception influence

**Psychological Mechanism Analysis** **Education Background Influence**: New generation average higher education levels, more emphasis rights protection and development opportunities

**Coping Strategy Differences**: - Older generation: Tendency "emotional suppression" strategies - New generation: More adoption "problem-focused" strategies

**Psychological Resilience Differences**: When work fairness perception drops below critical value, new generation's depression risk rises faster, recovery elasticity relatively poorer

**Value Differences**: - Older generation: Mostly "survival-oriented" work approach - New generation: More emphasis respect and development opportunities

**Practical Psychology Suggestions**

**Individual Level** 1. **Psychological Accounting**: Regularly record fair events at work 2. **Work Boundaries**: Learn separating work and life boundaries 3. **Social Support**: Actively participate social activities, building support networks

**Enterprise Level** 1. **Fairness Mechanisms**: Establish transparent salary and evaluation systems 2. **Stress Reduction Training**: Provide psychological stress reduction training older employees 3. **Development Opportunities**: Offer more career development opportunities new generation

**Societal Level** 1. **Skills Training**: Provide free vocational skills training 2. **Community Support**: Establish mutual assistance groups and social activities 3. **Social Recognition**: Enhance social status perception social mobility groups

**Important Finding** Research finds groups actively participating social activities, even with lower income, have 20% lower depression rates than isolated groups. Social connections proven effective psychological protective factors.