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Greedy phenomena have dramatically increased in societies. However, despite the universality of greedy behaviour, empirical research on the causes of greed is scarce. In this context, we propose that perceived economic inequality may be an important factor influencing greed. Study 1 provided primary evidence of a positive relationship between perceived economic inequality and greed, based on data from a large‐scale social survey (CFPS 2018, N = 14,317). Employing well‐established questionnaires, Study 2A (N = 200) and Study 2B (N = 399) revealed that perceived economic inequality positively predicts greed, with relative deprivation playing a mediating role. Study 3A (N = 200) and Study 3B (N = 200) manipulated perceived economic inequality to provide causal evidence of its effects on greed and to replicate the mediating effect of relative deprivation. Finally, Study 4 (N = 372), using a blockage manipulation design, showed that the effect of perceived economic inequality on greed significantly decreases when relative deprivation is suppressed. In summary, the results of these six studies consistently suggest that perceived economic inequality positively affects greed and that this effect is mediated by relative deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the boundary conditions between objective overqualification and perceived overqualification. In addition, we aim to investigate the mediation patterns between objective overqualification, perceived overqualification and job satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: A two-wave survey was conducted with 382 new entrants of job market. Data was analyzed with Process 3.5 in SPSS 26.0 to test the hypothesized moderated mediation model. Findings: Results indicated that perceived overqualification fully mediated the relationship between objective overqualification and job satisfaction. In addition, the relationship between objective overqualification and perceived overqualification was significant unless employees perceived high internal employment opportunities but low external employment opportunities at the same time. Same moderating pattern was also evident in the indirect effect of objective overqualification? Perceived overqualification? Job satisfaction. Research limitations/implications: This study has theoretical and practical implications for personnel management. Theoretically, this study contributed to the understanding of the relationship between objective overqualification and perceived overqualification. Practically, this study found that offering internal employment opportunities can mitigate the perception of overqualification when employees perceive limited external employment opportunities. Originality/value: This is one of few studies that stressed the boundary conditions between objective overqualification and perceived overqualification under the framework of relative deprivation theory. In addition, this study provided time-lagged evidence of the relationship between objective overqualification, perceived overqualification and job satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research show that relative deprivation can decrease individuals' psychological well-being. However, the underlying mechanism between relative deprivation and psychological well-being remains unclear. To explore the mediating effects of self-efficacy and self-control on the relationship between relative deprivation and psychological well-being. 426 undergraduate students submitted the online survey that assessed their psychological well-being, relative deprivation, self-efficacy and self-control. Students experienced high levels of psychological well-being, moderate to high levels of relative deprivation and moderate levels of self-efficacy and self-control. Parallel mediators of self-efficacy and self-control on the relationship between relative deprivation and psychological well-being were significant (each p < 0.01). This study explores the underlying mechanism between relative deprivation and psychological well-being by identifying the parallel mediators of self-efficacy and self-control. Effective interventions should be taken to alleviate students' relative deprivation and promote their self-efficacy, self-control and psychological well-being during future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many contemporary researchers agree that group relative deprivation is a driver of political actions against outgroups. However, both relative deprivation and political actions are complex phenomena, making it important to further study this relationship in the context of other relevant variables. One such variable could be the specific outgroup. The purpose of our study was to evaluate differences in the contribution of group relative deprivation to the prediction of activist and radicalised intentions against two outgroups – Muslims and senior citizens. The multi‐group structural equation modelling was applied separately on nationally representative samples of youth from Germany (N = 1,056), Norway (N = 376) and the United Kingdom (UK) (N = 1053). Group relative deprivation exhibited a robust relationship with activist intentions after controlling for general aggression, social desirability bias, age and gender, except in the UK, where the relationship between activist intentions and relative deprivation was stronger with Muslims as the target outgroup. The relationship between relative deprivation and radicalised intentions depended on the target outgroup across countries – it was related to radicalised intentions only against Muslims. The meaning and implications of these results are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable development of rural tourism requires not only active participation from the government and enterprises but is also closely tied to the attitudes of local residents. This study, grounded in the theories of relative deprivation and social comparison, focuses on the residents living near the Jinshi Gorge Scenic Area in Shangluo City. We constructed a structural equation model to explore how residents' perceptions of the social environment in rural tourism influence their sense of relative deprivation, enhance their happiness, and ultimately promote the sustainable development of rural tourism. The study's findings reveal the following: (1) that demographic characteristics, including age, education level, and annual income, significantly influence residents' perceptions of their social environment, particularly their sense of group identity, social support, and feelings of inequality. (2) Levels of relative deprivation vary significantly across different demographic groups. (3) There is a strong positive correlation between individual cognitive relative deprivation and individual emotional relative deprivation. Similarly, group cognitive relative deprivation positively predicts group emotional relative deprivation. (4) Experiences of discrimination, feelings of inequality, and strength of group identity emerge as significant predictors of both individual and group-level cognitive and emotional relative deprivation. (5) Social support has a significant negative effect on individual cognition, individual emotions, group cognition, and group emotional relative deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socioeconomic status self‐deception refers to the motivated tendency to perceive oneself as having a higher subjective status than would correspond to objective conditions. This can be a powerful mechanism to legitimize the social order. We proposed that when people perceive the surrounding social environment to be classist, people tend to self‐deceive themselves by overestimating their socioeconomic status. This mechanism, in turn, would lead to justify the system to a higher extent and show less support for redistribution, and reduce relative deprivation and status anxiety. These hypotheses were tested across four pre‐registered studies on different high‐quality samples, different operationalization of the variables in our model, and both cross‐sectional and longitudinal observations. On the one hand, the results do not provide evidence of a link between perceiving a classist climate and socioeconomic status self‐deception. On the other hand, socioeconomic status self‐deception was confirmed to predict higher system justification, and lower support for redistribution, status anxiety and relative deprivation. The construct and operationalization of socioeconomic status self‐deception proposed in this research could help reconcile opposing predictions by system justification theory and social dominance theory, and understand why individuals low on socioeconomic status would oppose policies which could benefit them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While prior research has found that leaders tend not to abuse subordinates equally, empirical studies exploring the differentiation phenomenon of abusive supervision still remain limited. Drawing on relative deprivation theory, the differentiation of abusive supervision is defined as the two operational indicators of relative abusive supervision and abusive supervision variability according to the dual influence this differentiation imposes on both individuals and groups. How the interactive effect of relative abusive supervision and abusive supervision variability impacts employees' behaviors is examined and the solution to the abusive supervision differentiation dilemma is explored. The results of a two-wave empirical study including 254 employees from 84 groups demonstrate that focal employee relative abusive supervision negatively influences task performance and organizational citizenship behavior via relative deprivation. This effect is amplified when the group has lower levels of abusive supervision variability. This study contributes to a better understanding of abusive supervision in groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The joint involvement of family and society in elderly care is a crucial factor in improving the health status of older adults and narrowing health disparities, which are essential for achieving sustainable development goals. However, the interactions between these entities and their mechanisms of influence require further investigation. By utilizing data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) spanning 2014 to 2016 and employing the Kakwani index of individual relative deprivation in conjunction with a two-way fixed-effects model for unbalanced panel data, in this study, we investigated the mechanisms through which social elderly care security and familial support influence health inequalities among the elderly. The findings reveal that only senior benefits (=−0.009, p < 0.05) significantly mitigate relative health deprivation in this population. Enrollment in pension insurance amplifies the sense of relative health deprivation among the elderly, but this effect becomes insignificant after controlling for temporal effects. Both economic support (=−0.002, p < 0.05) and emotional support (=−0.004, p < 0.01) from offspring significantly reduce the level of relative health deprivation among the elderly. Mechanism testing results indicate that individual attitudes towards aging serve as a mediator in the relationship between relative health deprivation and preferential treatment, economic support, and emotional support. The results of further heterogeneity tests suggest that the impact of various elderly support models on relative health deprivation differs by age, gender, and residential area.These findings confirm that support from both society and family plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable health outcomes for the elderly. Consequently, it is recommended to enhance the social elderly care security system, bolster familial support functions, cultivate positive individual attitudes towards aging, and address health inequalities among the elderly in accordance with their distinct characteristics, thereby improving their quality of life and sense of fulfillment, and contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although research shows that anti-immigrant sentiments are generally lower in liberal integration policy contexts, popular backlash against immigrants become salient in many pro-immigration and inclusive integration policy contexts in Europe today. Developing a contextualized mediation model, this research suggests that feelings of deprivation vis-à-vis immigrants influence attitudes toward selective immigrant admission in Europe. From a cross-country analysis of the 2014–2015 European Social Survey through multigroup structural equation modeling, our findings reveal that sentiments of group relative deprivation translate into stronger gatekeeping attitudes throughout Europe by developing threat perceptions from immigration. Relative deprivation-driven threat perceptions influence gatekeeping attitudes more potently in countries where integration policies grant immigrants more comprehensive and equal rights, while they remain relatively dormant in countries with exclusionary integration policies. These findings contribute to our understanding of how and to what extent relative deprivation sentiments vis-à-vis immigrants shape gatekeeping attitudes while shedding light on the unintended impacts of liberal integration policies on public opinion regarding immigration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Suicide is a serious public health concern in China. In the present study, we investigated the specific mechanisms underlying relative deprivation and suicide in rural China. Methods: A large psychological autopsy study was conducted in rural China, in which 392 suicides and 416 community-living controls were consecutively recruited. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between relative deprivation and suicide, with depression as a potential mediator. Results: Young people who experienced relative deprivation were at a greater risk of suicide and depression. Depression plays a mediating role in the relationship between relative deprivation and suicide. Limitations: Due to the limitations of the data, we cannot know whether there is mutual causation between relative deprivation and depression. The self-reported relative deprivation may also produce some influence on the results. Conclusions: The current findings demonstrate the importance of relative deprivation as one of the four sources of psychological strain to explain how relative status is associated with suicide. The findings also can be translated into the clinical and preventive practice for suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the predictors of loneliness, with a focus on the roles that discrimination plays and how it intersects with gender and educational attainment among three subgroups of adults at different life stages (young, middle, and late adulthood). In sum, our study found that the link between discrimination and loneliness varied across age groups, making the examination of its root cause from the ecological perspective and identifying symptoms/triggers for loneliness critical in developing different targeted interventions. Findings from this study can be used to guide social work intervention efforts undertaken to prevent and reduce loneliness [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Prior research show that relative deprivation can decrease individuals’ psychological well-being. However, the underlying mechanism between relative deprivation and psychological well-being remains unclear. To explore the mediating effects of self-efficacy and self-control on the relationship between relative deprivation and psychological well-being. 426 undergraduate students submitted the online survey that assessed their psychological well-being, relative deprivation, self-efficacy and self-control. Students experienced high levels of psychological well-being, moderate to high levels of relative deprivation and moderate levels of self-efficacy and self-control. Parallel mediators of self-efficacy and self-control on the relationship between relative deprivation and psychological well-being were significant (each p

Abstract While prior research has found that leaders tend not to abuse subordinates equally, empirical studies exploring the differentiation phenomenon of abusive supervision still remain limited. Drawing on relative deprivation theory, the differentiation of abusive supervision is defined as the two operational indicators of relative abusive supervision and abusive supervision variability according to the dual influence this differentiation imposes on both individuals and groups. How the interactive effect of relative abusive supervision and abusive supervision variability impacts employees’ behaviors is examined and the solution to the abusive supervision differentiation dilemma is explored. The results of a two-wave empirical study including 254 employees from 84 groups demonstrate that focal employee relative abusive supervision negatively influences task performance and organizational citizenship behavior via relative deprivation. This effect is amplified when the group has lower levels of abusive supervision variability. This study contributes to a better understanding of abusive supervision in groups.

This research delves into the correlation between offline bullying and online unethical behavior among college students; and examines the potential mediating influences of anger rumination and perceived relative deprivation. The findings suggest that anger rumination, perceived relative deprivation, offline bullying, and online unethical behavior exhibit significant positive correlations with each other. Offline bullying is a strong predictor of online unethical behavior among college students, with the dual mediating effects of perceived relative deprivation and anger rumination on the relationship between offline bullying and online unethical behavior. This suggests that offline bullying directly influences college students' online unethical behavior and also influences it indirectly through anger rumination and perceived relative deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Relative deprivation is one of the factors that influences the development of personality and behavior. However, it is still unclear whether and how relative deprivation decreases the prosocial behavior in adolescents. This study aimed to examine the association between relative deprivation and adolescent prosocial behavior and the role of emotion regulation strategies and empathy in modifying this association. Methods: The present study included 609 secondary school students (M = 15.42 years, SD = 0.653) in Fujian Province, China. All participants completed the Relative Deprivation Questionnaire, Emotion Regulation Scale, the Basic Empathy Scale, and Prosocial Behavior Scale. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and Mplus 7.4. Results: Relative deprivation was negatively correlated with cognitive reappraisal, but positively correlated with expressive suppression. Cognitive reappraisal was positively correlated with empathy and prosocial behavior, but expressive suppression was not. Empathy was positively correlated with prosocial behavior. Relative deprivation decreased prosocial behavior through (a) cognitive reappraisal, (b) empathy, and (c) chain mediation of cognitive reappraisal and empathy. No significant mediating effect of expressive suppression was found. Conclusion: The results indicate that relative deprivation decreases adolescent prosocial behavior, and that cognitive reappraisal and empathy are the potential psychological mechanisms that affect the association between relative deprivation and adolescent prosocial behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the trajectory of anger and its psychosocial predictors (i.e., perceived social inequality, relative deprivation, and loneliness) as well as its association with anxiety and depression. Students (N = 365) completed an online survey three times over a one-year period. Three trajectories of anger were identified by growth mixture modeling: low/stable (i.e., a low and stable anger over time; 88.0%), low/increasing (i.e., a low level of anger with an increasing trend; 6.7%), and moderate/decreasing class (i.e., a moderate level of anger with a decreasing trend; 5.3%). A greater perception of relative deprivation, but not of perceived social inequality, was associated with the low/increasing class. A greater level of loneliness was associated with the moderate/decreasing class. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were higher in the moderate/decreasing and low/increasing class than in the low/stable class. These results suggest that interventions targeted at anger may benefit from addressing perceptions of relative deprivation and loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teacher burnout is a worldwide problem, and discontent of the educators often leads to social action in forms of demonstrations and strikes. Studies often link teacher burnout to interpersonal and workplace factors. Social and societal factors, however, are rarely considered in the development of the symptoms. Our study aimed to reveal how the strength of teacher identity and different types of relative deprivation are associated with teacher burnout. A representative sample of 1797 Hungarian teachers participated in our survey study which aimed to measure exhaustion and disengagement as symptoms of burnout beside strength of teacher identity, working hours, egoistic and fraternalistic relative deprivation. The results of the Structural Equation Analysis showed that teacher identity is negatively linked to burnout symptoms. On the other hand, both types of relative deprivation and working hours are positively linked to burnout. The analysis of mediating paths also confirmed the Janus-faced effect of teacher identity: contrarily to its direct negative link to burnout, a positive mediating effect of teacher identity was revealed through fraternalistic relative deprivation. The findings indicate that the general judgement of teachers within society may contribute to burnout. Therefore, burnout research should focus on social comparison processes beside exploring intrapersonal and workplace factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social anxiety has consistently emerged as a prominent manifestation of mental health issues among college students. Though the relationship between upward social comparison and social anxiety has been extensively addressed in previous literature, little attention has been paid to the underlying mechanisms at play. Objective: The present study used a questionnaire survey to test whether upward social comparison may be associated with social anxiety in Chinese college students. The mediating role of relative deprivation and rumination was also examined. Methods: In total, 463 college students were recruited to complete four scales, including the Upward Social Comparison Scale, the Relative Deprivation Scale, the Ruminative Thinking Scale, and the Social Anxiety Scale. Results: The results show that upward social comparison was significantly positively correlated with relative deprivation, rumination, and social anxiety (r = 0.30, 0.31, and 0.27, respectively; p < 0.01). Second, relative deprivation was positively correlated with rumination and social anxiety (r = 0.40 and 0.17, respectively; p < 0.01). Finally, rumination was positively correlated with social anxiety (r = 0.47, p < 0.01). Moreover, upward social comparison positively predicts social anxiety, with an effect value of 0.12, while rumination plays a mediating role between upward social comparison and social anxiety, with an effect value of 0.07, and the 95% confidence interval for the indirect effect is 0.04-0.11. Separately, the chain mediation of relative deprivation and rumination had an effect value of 0.03, and the 95% confidence interval for the indirect effect is 0.02-0.05. Conclusion: This research highlights the relationship between upward social comparison and social anxiety in Chinese society and revealed the mediating mechanisms between them, deepening our understanding of how upward social comparison increases social anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has a unique background of "religious practice without religious belief". As China enters the digital age, it is necessary to consider religious practices from the perspective of internet use. In this research, we used data from the 2017, 2018, and 2021 years of the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) to explore whether internet use affects Chinese religious practices. The results show that internet use significantly influences Chinese religious practices. We also constructed a parallel mediation model involving relative deprivation and social trust, demonstrating that relative deprivation positively mediates the effect of internet use on religious practices, while social trust negatively mediates this effect. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that internet use has a greater impact on religious practices in eastern and central regions, among women, and urban residents. Our research underscores the significant role of religious practices in Chinese society, profoundly influencing everyday life and challenging external perceptions of China as "faithless". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand side of populism has been in the scope of social scientists since the early 2010s. Since then, ample scholarly evidence has suggested that populist attitudes are strongly tied to the feeling of relative deprivation. Our study's focal point revolves around the above findings and focuses on Hungary, a country where populism flourishes. This study analyses the possible connections between the populist attitudes of Hungarian citizens and their feelings of relative deprivation using a representative sample (n = 994). Regression analyses revealed that relative deprivation is a significant predictor of populist attitudes in Hungary regardless of age, sex, and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Deviant peer affiliation is considered a potential risk factor for adolescent delinquency. Due to the serious situation of adolescent delinquency in China, it is necessary to investigate the mechanisms by which adolescents associate with deviant peers. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and deviant peer affiliation, the mediating effect of relative deprivation, and the moderating effect of age in a sample of Chinese delinquent adolescents. Methods: Five hundred and forty-two Special School students aged 11-18 years were interviewed and completed questionnaires, including demographics, adverse childhood experiences, deviant peer affiliation, and relative deprivation. Results: (1) After controlling for gender, adverse childhood experiences and deviant peer affiliation were significantly and positively associated among delinquent adolescents. (2) The effect of ACEs on deviant peer affiliation was mediated by relative deprivation. (3) Age played a moderating role not only in the relationship between ACEs and relative deprivation, but also in the indirect relationship in which ACEs influence deviant peer affiliation through relative deprivation; specifically, the indirect effect of ACEs influencing deviant peer affiliation through relative deprivation was stronger in early adolescence compared with late adolescence. Conclusion: Overall, early ACEs play an important role in deviant peer affiliation among delinquent adolescents and relative deprivation is an important mediating variable. The results of the present study emphasize the importance of cognitive interventions for delinquent adolescents who experience ACEs in early adolescence, which may be instructive for the prevention of adolescent delinquency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feelings of group-based relative deprivation (GRD) motivate collective responses to defend the ingroup. As such, there may be status-based asymmetries in the associations GRD has with ideologies that perpetuate inequality—namely, right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO). Study 1 examined this hypothesis using a national sample of adults (N = 41,007) and revealed that the correlations GRD had with RWA and SDO were positive among members of a high-status group but negative among members of low-status groups. Study 2 examined these associations longitudinally (N = 22,083) across eight annual assessments. Although a traditional cross-lagged panel analysis identified status-based asymmetries in the longitudinal associations between our variables of interest, analyses partitioning between-person stability from within-person change found no evidence that GRD leads to differences in RWA or SDO (or vice versa). The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the positive relationship between income and well‐being is well established, the psychological mechanisms underlying this process are less understood. One underexplored explanation is that objective wealth (or lack thereof) fosters relative comparisons, which, in turn, predicts well‐being. Extant work has, however, mostly focused on objective indicators of relative deprivation rather than on how people perceive their societal status. We address this oversight by examining the longitudinal indirect effects of income on well‐being via perceived individual‐based relative deprivation (IRD) using traditional and random intercept cross‐lagged panel models. Averaged across 10 annual assessments in a nationwide longitudinal panel sample of adults (N = 66,560), our results revealed reliable indirect effects of income on well‐being via IRD. Specifically, within‐person increases in income predicted within‐person decreases in IRD, which then predicted within‐person increases in personal well‐being over time. Our results replicated across robustness checks, including one using a general life satisfaction measure. We thus extend previous work by highlighting the need to consider one's perceptions of their relative societal position as a mechanism underlying the effects of income on well‐being over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivePeer rejection is one of the key indicators for measuring interpersonal relationships among adolescents. Considering that interpersonal curiosity plays a significant role in interpersonal relationships, however, the influence of interpersonal curiosity on peer rejection is still unknown. This study is grounded in social comparison theory and aims to investigate the impact of adolescent interpersonal curiosity on peer rejection. The study explores the impact of interpersonal curiosity on peer rejection and further investigates the mediating role of relative deprivation and malicious envy.MethodsThe study employed the stratified cluster sampling method to select 418 adolescents in Shaanxi Province. The Adolescents' Relative Deprivation Scale was used to measure relative deprivation, the Benign and Malicious Envy Scale was used to measure benign envy and malicious envy, and the School Adaptation Inventory was used to measure peer rejection. The statistical software SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 24.0 were used for statistical analysis, and the common method deviation test was conducted using the Harman single-factor control method. Finally, the bootstrap sampling method was used to test the significance of the intermediary effect.ResultsThe results of the mediation model show that interpersonal curiosity can directly and positively affect peer rejection (β = 0.317, p < 0.001). Malicious envy plays a completely mediating role (b = 0.125, p < 0.001), while relative deprivation plays a partially mediating role (bdirect − path = 0.071, p = 0.004; bindirect − path = 0.064, p < 0.001). Further discovery of the chain mediation model shows that interpersonal curiosity can impact individual peer rejection through the chain mediation of relative deprivation and malicious envy (b = 0.026, p < 0.001), and there is no significant gender difference in this result.ConclusionInterpersonal curiosity can enhance peer rejection in adolescents, with relative deprivation and malicious envy completely mediating this process. This study reveals the impact of interpersonal curiosity on adolescents' peer rejection from the viewpoint of social comparison theory and provides a new perspective for fostering the formation and growth of positive peer relationships among adolescents.

IntroductionPolitical apathy refers to someone’s disinterest, reluctance, and passivity towards political participation. The present research aimed to investigate the factors that contributed to political apathy during the period 2001–2022. To accomplish this, the study employed a meta-analysis approach to synthesize the results of scattered experimental studies and answer the question of what factors influenced political apathy and to what extent they explained it.Materials and MethodsThis study employed a quantitative meta-analysis approach to identify and categorize studies related to the factors influencing political apathy during 2001–2022. The statistical population comprised 23 research documents, from which 11 documents were selected based on the criteria such as method, validity, reliability, and scientific findings. The selection criteria included method, sample size, correlation coefficients, significance level, statistical population, and year of publication. Having been analyzed in terms of correlation coefficients, sample size, and significance level, the selected studies were entered into Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 2 software, and the final effect size of each research study was estimated. The funnel plot and Q-test were used to determine the homogeneity or heterogeneity. After confirming heterogeneity between the studies, the article used a moderating variable to explain the factors affecting political apathy in the period. The current research employed specific criteria to select the relevant studies for analysis, including:Specific subject area: The research must have examined the factors influencing political apathy, either as the primary or ancillary objective.Specific geographical location: Only scientific–research articles and theses conducted in Iran were examined in this study.Specific research method: Only quantitative studies were selected for analysis since meta-analysis focuses on quantitative research.Research validity: Given the fact that the validity of any meta-analysis depends on the validity of the studies analyzed, the present research selected the relevant studies based on their validity and reliability which were ensured through strict evaluation criteria such as validity and reliability reports.Clarity of statistical findings: In line with the protocols of meta-analysis, the studies were selected based on the accurate and correct reporting of statistical findings, as well as their compliance with the assumptions of statistical tests and input criteria of the software.The research studies on the factors influencing political apathy were selected based on the above criteria, which indicates the use of a purposeful sampling method. As a result, 23 research documents were selected for analysis in the current research.Results and DiscussionThe study revealed a significant and positive relationship between political, social, cultural, economic, and demographic factors and political apathy. Political factors such as political distrust, dissatisfaction, alienation, lack of citizenship rights, anomie, and low political culture were found to be closely associated with political apathy. Social factors, including social anomie, commitment, health, national identity, low social vitality, organizational and occupational identity, lack of social transparency, feeling of social injustice, lawlessness, and low quality of life, were also found to contribute to political apathy. Cultural factors such as domestic media consumption, the level of religiosity, social and satellite networks, cultural anomie, and individualism were identified as influencing political apathy. Concerning economic factors, economic capital, relative deprivation, unemployment, and socio-economic class were found to be associated with political apathy. Finally, demographic factors such as education, place of residence, age, and marital status had a significant relationship with political apathy.ConclusionThe study concluded that political apathy is influenced by various economic, political, cultural, and social factors. To prevent the emergence and occurrence of this phenomenon, it is necessary to encourage political participation of citizens in societal affairs by improving their socio-economic status, enhancing self-esteem and sense of efficiency, increasing political and social trust, strengthening religiosity, promoting social justice, and providing greater life satisfaction. Other strategies to increase people’s political participation and prevent political apathy include raising political awareness, fostering hope for future change, ensuring proportional reward for participation, promoting social satisfaction and sense of effectiveness, cultivating citizens’ optimism about the future, increasing political and economic efficiency, strengthening socio-political capital, enhancing political education, empowering citizens, fostering social belonging and individual motivation, promoting accountability of rulers, improving efficiency and effectiveness of institutions and organizations, preventing corruption and political violence, increasing incomes, expanding education, improving social status, building trust in the government, promoting economic development, expanding traditional political culture, and ensuring political and social equality.

[Objective] Registered impoverished farmers’ sense of gain is crucial for determining the achievements of poverty alleviation relocation. This study aims to examine the impact of individual income inequality on sense of gain of farmers relocated for poverty alleviation and its mechanism after poverty alleviation relocation. [Methods] Based on the relative deprivation theory and data from 1202 questionnaires of farmers relocated for poverty alleviation collected in four cities and eight counties (districts) in Shaanxi Province in 2021, this study explores the relationship between individual income inequality, relocated farmers’ sense of gain, and social integration by using an ordered-probit model and the mediation effect model. [Results] (1) On the whole, the surveyed farmers think the gains outweigh the losses from the poverty alleviation relocation. However, individual income inequality has a significant negative impact on relocated farmers’ sense of gain. (2) The mediation mechanism analysis reveals that individual income inequality influences sense of gain through relocated farmers’ social integration, completely through economic integration while partly through social connections and community participation. Psychological integration has a suppression effect. (3) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the above effects of individual income inequality are weaker or insignificant among relocated farmers whose family obtain educational or medical and health supports. [Conclusion] The findings indicate that the government should not only implement employment policies targeted at low-income relocated households, but also help them expand their social networks. Meanwhile, it is necessary to improve the basic public service system in the destination areas.

Abstract In recent years, with the unremitting advancement of higher education reform, academics have been experiencing stress associated with conducting scientific research. In this study focusing on university teachers in China, we adopted a stepwise regression method and reviewed related literature to construct a mechanism of academic stress and occupational burnout. Specifically, we tested job satisfaction and relative deprivation as mediating and moderating variables and conducted empirical research on 1239 teachers from 15 universities in eastern, central, and western China. Our findings show that: (1) academic stress has a significant positive effect on occupational burnout; (2) job satisfaction has a partial role as the intermediary agent between academic stress and occupational burnout; and (3) relative deprivation positively moderates the relationship between academic stress and job satisfaction, indicating that teachers in universities and colleges are also affected by relative deprivation and the perception of inequity. These findings have significant value in the management of higher education and academic research.

Abstract Background Village doctors are the main health service providers in China’s rural areas. Compared with other rural groups, they will have a sense of relative deprivation, which has an impact on their practice mentality and job stability. This study aims to analyze the changes and causes of relative deprivation among village doctors, so as to improve the stability of them. Methods The data were collected from two surveys conducted in Shandong Province in 2015 and 2021. In 2015, 322 village doctors were surveyed and 307 questionnaires were collected, with a recovery rate of 95.3%. In 2021, 394 village doctors were surveyed and 366 questionnaires were collected, with a recovery rate of 92.9%. Descriptive and univariate analysis were used to compare the changes before and after the survey. Results The scores of vertical deprivation of village doctors increased from 2.77 ± 0.81 in 2015 to 3.04 ± 0.83 in 2021, with a statistically significant difference (P

IntroductionClans and traditional local divisions can lead to separations and social distancing within communities. In such cases, influential clan leaders may reinforce distinct local and cultural identities through rituals, genealogies, and historical narratives, which can intensify inter-clan competition. Mamasani Region, comprising Mamasani and Rostam counties in Fars Province, is home to 5 independent clans. As societies undergo political and social transformations, the relationships within Mamasani and Rostam counties can be analyzed through the lens of clan dynamics. Feelings of relative deprivation can contribute to the strengthening of ethnic and inter-ethnic divisions. Such perceptions of deprivation may reduce solidarity, cohesion, and social interaction among groups. In the multi-clan Mamasani region, it is important to investigate trends of divergence and convergence over time to inform policymaking and community management. Changes and developments in the economic, cultural, and social spheres of Mamasani and Rostam counties require a deeper understanding of the relationship between relative deprivation and clannish divergence. Given the lack of existing research on this topic, this study aimed to explore the connections between relative deprivation and the social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of clannish divergence among the people living in the clans of Mamasani and Rostam counties. Materials & MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional survey design. The target population was all individuals aged 20 years and above residing in Mamasani and Rostam counties, which comprised 5 distinct clans: Bekash, Javid, Domshanziari, Mahoor and Milati, and Rostam. A sample of 450 participants was selected using a random multi-stage cluster sampling approach. Data were collected through a self-administered, structured questionnaire containing closed-ended Likert scale items. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 26 software. Discussion of Results & ConclusionThe findings revealed that the average levels of clannish divergence and perceived relative deprivation among residents of Mamasani and Rostam counties were higher than expected. There was a significant positive correlation between feelings of relative deprivation and clannish divergence, including its social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions. Interestingly, age was not significantly associated with clannish divergence. However, education level showed a significant relationship, with individuals having middle school or undergraduate education reporting the highest levels of clannish divergence and those with postgraduate or doctoral degrees reporting the lowest. Additionally, activity status was found to be a significant factor with students and workers exhibiting the highest levels of clannish divergence and the unemployed reporting the lowest. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that the independent variables explained 9.5% of the variance in the dependent variable of clannish divergence. Given the prominent role and importance of relative deprivation in the multi-clan Mamasani region, addressing this issue was crucial for promoting clannish convergence. Experts recommend evidence-based policy interventions focused on fostering distributive justice across political, social, economic, and cultural domains. Emphasizing meritocracy over particularism in the selection of managers and leaders and leveraging the natural and human capacities of different clans could be effective strategies for improving the sense of justice and social cohesion within the community of Mamasani Region.

Abstract Background In recent years, the phenomenon of academic involution atmosphere among college students has gradually attracted the focus of education and social circles. Thus, this study targets college students as the research object and constructs a hypothetical model to explore the relationship between academic involution atmosphere and college students’ stress response, as well as the mediating role of relative deprivation and academic involution. Methods A survey was conducted on 1090 college students using the Academic Involution Atmosphere Scale, Relative Deprivation Scale, Personal Academic Involution Scale, and Stress Response Scale. Results The results show that: (1) Academic involution atmosphere, relative deprivation, and academic involution are significantly and positively correlated with stress response; (2) Academic involution atmosphere not only directly predicts college students’ stress response, but also indirectly predicts them through relative deprivation and academic involution, respectively; (3) Relative deprivation and academic involution have a chain mediating effect between academic involution atmosphere and stress response. Conclusions The findings of this study reveal the influence of academic involution atmosphere on college students’ stress response and the mechanism, providing beneficial insights for reducing college students’ stress response and maintaining their psychological well-being.

In recent years, with the unremitting advancement of higher education reform, academics have been experiencing stress associated with conducting scientific research. In this study focusing on university teachers in China, we adopted a stepwise regression method and reviewed related literature to construct a mechanism of academic stress and occupational burnout. Specifically, we tested job satisfaction and relative deprivation as mediating and moderating variables and conducted empirical research on 1239 teachers from 15 universities in eastern, central, and western China. Our findings show that: (1) academic stress has a significant positive effect on occupational burnout; (2) job satisfaction has a partial role as the intermediary agent between academic stress and occupational burnout; and (3) relative deprivation positively moderates the relationship between academic stress and job satisfaction, indicating that teachers in universities and colleges are also affected by relative deprivation and the perception of inequity. These findings have significant value in the management of higher education and academic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upward comparisons are prevalent in life and have a significant influence on consumer psychology and subsequent behavior. Previous research examined the effects of upward comparisons on consumption behavior, mainly focusing on behavior that evokes positive emotions (e.g., donation behavior, sustainable consumption) or behavior that evokes negative emotions (e.g., impulsive consumption, compulsive consumption) and less on behavior that evokes both negative emotions and positive emotions (i.e., counterhedonic consumption). This research examined the effect of upward comparisons on counterhedonic consumption. Five studies (N = 1111) demonstrated that upward comparison (vs. non-upward comparison) leads to counterhedonic consumption, and this effect is mediated by relative deprivation (Studies 2 and 3). In addition, this research showed that the comparison targets moderate the effects of upward comparisons on counterhedonic consumption. Specifically, when the comparison target is a friend, an upward comparison (vs. non-upward comparison) leads to counterhedonic consumption. When the comparison target is a stranger, an upward comparison (vs. non-upward comparison) has no significant influence on counterhedonic consumption (Study 5). Our findings extend the research on upward comparisons, relative deprivation, and counterhedonic consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of populism has reignited scholarly interest in the paradox of societal advancement leading to frustration and social tension. Globalization and digitalization have increased social opportunities for parts of the population, but a substantial portion of society feels disadvantaged, resulting in discontent. This study, rooted in Boudon's model of relative deprivation, examines the mechanisms that fuel this frustration. We conducted an online experiment involving 2114 US-based MTurk participants, in which we manipulated the availability of status positions to create varying degrees of upward social mobility. We also varied group sizes to ensure robustness. We assessed relative deprivation with structural, subjective, and behavioral measures. For example, frustration was measured using the "joy-of-destruction game," in which subjects had to make the costly decision to destroy part of another player's winnings. Contrary to the model's prediction, we found that the proportion of individuals who were worse off, the losers, decreased consistently as mobility increased. This outcome can be attributed to overentry in conditions of low mobility and underentry in conditions of intermediate or high mobility. The losers displayed increased frustration and hostility towards noncompetitors and winners. Intriguingly, winners also exhibited heightened hostility. However, at the aggregate level, hostile behavior did not surge as conditions improved. In our exploratory analyses at the individual level, we identified several distinct patterns. Risk-tolerant individuals and women were more likely to enter competition. Conversely, those with advanced education levels showed a decreased inclination to competitiveness. Risk-tolerant individuals reported greater feelings of frustration and displayed increased hostility. This effect was also observed particularly among politically right-leaning individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Village doctors are the main health service providers in China's rural areas. Compared with other rural groups, they will have a sense of relative deprivation, which has an impact on their practice mentality and job stability. This study aims to analyze the changes and causes of relative deprivation among village doctors, so as to improve the stability of them. Methods: The data were collected from two surveys conducted in Shandong Province in 2015 and 2021. In 2015, 322 village doctors were surveyed and 307 questionnaires were collected, with a recovery rate of 95.3%. In 2021, 394 village doctors were surveyed and 366 questionnaires were collected, with a recovery rate of 92.9%. Descriptive and univariate analysis were used to compare the changes before and after the survey. Results: The scores of vertical deprivation of village doctors increased from 2.77 ± 0.81 in 2015 to 3.04 ± 0.83 in 2021, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). The reference group selected by village doctors changed from village teachers to ordinary villagers. Compared to village teachers, the horizontal deprivation score of village doctors increased from 3.47 ± 0.87 to 3.97 ± 0.77, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Compared to villagers, only the professional reputation deprivation score increased, from 2.38 ± 0.93 to 2.68 ± 0.76, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Conclusions: As time goes by, village doctors fail to reach the expected level in terms of economic income, social status, professional reputation and living standards, resulting in a sense of relative deprivation. This may have a negative impact on village doctors' work motivation and behavior, and will fail to guarantee the sustainability of the team. We should pay attention to this unbalanced mentality of village doctors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social comparison is a universal social phenomenon that profoundly influences aggressive behaviours among young adults. Based on the general aggression model, this study investigated the relationship between social comparison and aggression, and the mediating role of relative deprivation. To further explore the mechanism underlying this influence, covert narcissism was examined as a moderator in this relationship, based on relative deprivation theory. The results from the current study using a total of 726 Chinese college students showed that social comparison was positively correlated with aggression, which was mediated by relative deprivation. Specifically, more frequent social comparison was associated with higher relative deprivation, which was, in turn, associated with higher aggression. Covert narcissism acted as a moderator in this model. Covert narcissism exacerbated the relationships between social comparison and relative deprivation and relative deprivation and aggression. Specifically, compared to individuals with low levels of covert narcissism, those with high levels of covert narcissism exhibited greater relative deprivation when subjected to the same social comparisons, subsequently displaying increased levels of aggression. This study deepens the understanding of the relationship between social comparison and aggression and provides an intervention direction and a theoretical basis for effectively preventing aggression in young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationship between perfectionism and relative deprivation among nursing students in China as well as the mediating role of interpersonal sensitivity and the moderating role of resilience in this relationship. A cross‐sectional study design involved 682 nursing students participants from two universities in Henan Province, China, using questionnaires about demographics, perfectionism, relative deprivation, interpersonal sensitivity, and resilience. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis and the PROCESS macro in regression analysis were used for data analysis. Adaptive perfectionism was not significantly correlated with relative deprivation, while maladaptive perfectionism was significantly positively correlated with interpersonal sensitivity, relative deprivation, and resilience. Interpersonal sensitivity mediated the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and relative deprivation, accounting for 41.07% of the total effect. Moreover, the first half path and direct path of this process were moderated by resilience. These results show that targeted interventions to reduce maladaptive perfectionism, reduce interpersonal sensitivity and improve resilience of nursing students could help reduce their relative deprivation. Practitioner Points: The level of maladaptive perfectionism significantly positively predicted relative deprivation among nursing students.Interpersonal sensitivity is an important mechanism linking maladaptive perfectionism and relative deprivation. School administrators and teachers should diagnose and intervene in the interpersonal sensitivity of nursing students.The combination of reducing the level of maladaptive perfectionism and improving resilience is an effective method to reduce the relative deprivation of nursing students and promote their healthy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We formulate a rule for allocating asylum seekers that is based on the social preferences of the native workers of the receiving countries. To derive the rule, we construct for each country a social welfare function, SWF , where the social welfare of a population is determined both by the population's aggregate absolute income and by the population's aggregate relative income. In a utilitarian manner, we combine the social welfare functions of the countries into a global social welfare function, GSWF. We look for the allocation that yields the highest value of the GSWF. We draw on assumptions that pertain to the manner in which the asylum seekers join the income distribution of the native workers: we consider a case in which the arrival of the asylum seekers has only a minor effect on the absolute income of the native population, and in which following their admission and integration, the asylum seekers join the income distribution of the native population "from below," namely the incomes of the asylum seekers are lower than the incomes of the low-income native workers. The arrival of asylum seekers can, however, measurably affect the relative incomes of the native population. Our rule states that the share of asylum seekers to be optimally assigned to each country depends only on the aggregate of the income excesses experienced by the native populations in the receiving countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing scholarship indicates that subjective and objective poverty hardly overlap. This study contributes to our understanding of what different types of poverty mean by analysing the drivers of subjective poverty in Ukraine, whereby in 2018 71.8% of people self‐identified as poor despite the relative material deprivation measures estimating poverty to be around 30%. To understand the drivers of subjective poverty, the paper draws on 50 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews across low‐ and high‐income individuals, of which 38 self‐identified as poor. Data suggests that the self‐perception of being poor is driven by Ukraine's relative deprivation to other European countries, fears about the future due to vulnerability to shocks, and the perception of purposeful exclusion by the economic elite. In exploring these findings, the paper contributes to the works of literature on social status, social exclusion, relative deprivation, and populism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on national time series data from 1990 to 2020 in China, the study quantified the index and analyzed the relationship among criminal cases, relative deprivation, and absolute deprivation by using a structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model. The results showed that the change in absolute deprivation had no significant influence on overall criminal cases, while the expansion of relative deprivation promoted an increase in criminal cases. Meanwhile, relative deprivation and absolute deprivation have disparate effects on different types of criminal cases. On the one hand, both absolute deprivation and relative deprivation have a positive effect on violent crimes. On the other hand, the impact of absolute deprivation on property crimes is not significant. Due to the large proportion of property crimes in the total criminal cases, the reduction of absolute deprivation has a limited inhibiting effect on total criminal offenses in China's current situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceptions of violated entitlement resulting from group-based relative deprivation shape attitudes and behaviors decisively. Drawing on social identity theory, I hypothesize that nationalism and constructive patriotism portray divergent relationships with subjective feelings of being disadvantaged due to different coping strategies to overcome status inferiority. Employing an original, large-scale survey from six European countries, the results clearly show that group-based relative deprivation is positively linked to nationalism, whereas the reverse holds for constructive patriotism. These results hold irrespective of a wide array of robustness checks. Thus, the present study adds to extant literature by identifying feelings of disadvantage as crucial for predicting nationalism and constructive patriotism, two key manifestations of group membership and in-group identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the complex relationships among social networking service (SNS) usage, loneliness, negative upward comparison, and relative deprivation, with a specific focus on the sequential mediation effect of negative upward comparison and relative deprivation in the relationship between SNS usage and loneliness. A sample of 432 Korean youth participated in an online questionnaire survey, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and Hayes' (2017) PROCESS macro models 4 and 6. The results of the study provided support for the first hypothesis, demonstrating a substantial and direct influence of social media usage on feelings of loneliness. Additionally, the second hypothesis, which proposed that negative upward comparison plays a mediating role, was also confirmed. Similarly, statistical evidence was found to back the third hypothesis, which suggested that relative deprivation acts as another mediating factor. Moreover, the fourth hypothesis, postulating a sequential mediation involving negative upward comparison and relative deprivation, was also found to be statistically significant. These results contribute to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics among SNS usage, negative upward comparisons, relative deprivation, and loneliness among young individuals in Korea. This study sheds light on the complex interplay between these variables and highlights the importance of considering sequential mediation pathways in the relationship between SNS usage and loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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IntroductionThe importance of improving older adults' mental health is increasing worldwide with the rapid development of the aging process. Green space is an important part of the urban built environment, demonstrates a deep connection with the mental health of older adults, and its internal mechanisms have been widely studied. This study analyzed the influence of urban green spaces on the mental health of older adults via three factors: relative deprivation, physical activity, and social trust.MethodsBased on the 2018 China Labor Dynamics Survey, a multi-level structural equation model was used to explore the mediating roles of relative deprivation, physical activity, social trust in urban green spaces, and the mental health of older adults.ResultsUrban green space was positively correlated with the mental health of older adults. Relative deprivation and physical activities played a mediating role between urban green space and the mental health of older adults.DiscussionAn increase in urban green spaces can help increase the number of older adults obtaining green space resources, and help them maintain good mental health. Secondly, older adults with a relatively homogeneous environment have more equal opportunities to obtain urban green space resources, which helps to reduce the comparison of older adults in access to green space resources and reduce the adverse impact of relative deprivation on their mental health. Additionally, increasing urban green spaces can encourage older adults to engage in physical activities and improve their mental health. Finally, we suggest improving the accessibility, fairness, and quality of green spaces, paying attention to the psychological needs of older adults, encouraging older adults to engage in physical activities in green spaces, and taking various measures to enhance the positive role of green space on the mental health of older adults.

Background and research aims. Considering the high prevalence of conspiracy theories and misinformation, there is an urgent need to explain the tendency to adopt a conspiracy mentality and identify behavioural (including voting) outcomes of a high conspiracy mentality. The aims of the present paper are 1) the examination of populist attitudes dimensions, relative deprivation and mistrust of expertise as predictors of conspiracy mentality and 2) proposal of comprehensive models, that combine predictors of conspiracy mentality and its voting consequences. Methodology. Studies utilised OSL regression and structural equation modelling. Results. The overall regression was statistically significant. It was found that dimensions of populist attitudes (anti-elitism, sovereignty), relative deprivation and mistrust of expertise were significant predictors of conspiracy mentality. In line with the second research aim, the fitness of models was confirmed and results suggest mistrust of expertise is also a significant predictor of far-right voting. Discussion. The contribution of the paper lies in connecting conspiracy mentality with not only attitudes but also with important behaviour outcome - voting behaviour. We propose future research should experimentally examine whether the reduction of some of the identified predictors could possibly lower levels of conspiracy mentality and whether this reduction translates into voting behaviour.

Subjective well-being is defined as individuals' evaluations of their happiness. Exposure to discrimination is a factor that negatively affects one's subjective well-being. Recent research indicated that women who are exposed to gender discrimination are affected negatively in terms of their subjective well-being. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between women's perception of gender-based relative deprivation and their subjective well-being and the mediator role of the tendency to justify the gender system in this relationship. The sample consisted of 328 voluntary female participants. The participants completed questionnaires, including Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Gender System Justification Scale, Relative Deprivation Scale, and Demographic Information Form. Obtained results indicated that as the gender-based relative deprivation increased, the level of subjective well-being decreased (B = -0.10, SE = 0.04). Moreover, the gender system justification mediated the relationship between gender-based relative deprivation and women's subjective well-being levels [lower limit (LL) CI: -0.1956, upper limit (UL) CI: -0.0209]. In conclusion, women who believe that they are subjected to gender-based discrimination may question the existing gender system in the society and in this framework, their subjective well-being levels are likely to decrease.