Mental health status of Chinese residents and its associated factors in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous studies focused on mental health, but few considered both positive and negative aspects within the dual-factor model of psychological wellbeing. In China, a highly populous country, limited evidence exists regarding mental health and its associated factors following the surge and decline of COVID-19 cases after the loosening of COVID-19 control measures. This study aims to investigate the mental health status of Chinese residents in the aftermath of the pandemic and factors influencing positive and negative indicators using the System-Based Model of Stress. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of 1,026 participants was conducted in China from March 2-31, 2023, using quota sampling. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to test the conceptual model, where social support, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, pandemic-related events, coping style, and concern about COVID-19 were considered as predictors, and psychological distress and subjective well-being as outcomes. Results: The results revealed high prevalence rates of psychological distress (23 %) with either of anxiety (15 %) or depression (20 %), and poor subjective well-being (23 %) among Chinese residents after the COVID-19 pandemic. Social support was negatively correlated with psychological distress, and negative coping style, pandemic-related events, and concern about COVID-19 were positively correlated with psychological distress. Moreover, social support was positively correlated with subjective well-being, and negative coping style and pandemic-related events were negatively correlated with subjective well-being. Conclusions: These findings enhance our understanding of the differing correlates of positive and negative mental health, suggesting targeted psychological interventions for post-pandemic and future public health events.