Exploring the determinants of subjective well-being among the elderly in Dongguan: a qualitative comparison of migrant and local residents
ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the determinants of subjective well-being among elderly populations in Dongguan, one of China’s most rapidly industrializing cities, with a particular focus on differences between migrant and native elderly residents.Methods/analysisA qualitative research design...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1534637/full |
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| author | Li Jia Li Jia Hang Cheng Jinzhi Huang Huanting Liu Qihui Gan Xianglei Zhu Jin Huang Qikang Chen Xiao Lin Yuxi Liu Yuxi Liu |
| author_facet | Li Jia Li Jia Hang Cheng Jinzhi Huang Huanting Liu Qihui Gan Xianglei Zhu Jin Huang Qikang Chen Xiao Lin Yuxi Liu Yuxi Liu |
| author_sort | Li Jia |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the determinants of subjective well-being among elderly populations in Dongguan, one of China’s most rapidly industrializing cities, with a particular focus on differences between migrant and native elderly residents.Methods/analysisA qualitative research design was employed. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 38 elderly participants (26 native and 12 migrant residents) in Tangxia Town, Dongguan City. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo software, and participant recruitment was conducted through purposive and snowball sampling until data saturation was reached.FindingsFive main themes influencing subjective well-being emerged: physical condition, family relationships, basic living conditions, environmental adaptation, and life security. Health and family reunification were universally regarded as critical to well-being. While both groups reported positive well-being, migrant elderly experienced more barriers in medical insurance coverage and lower engagement in social activities, contributing to relatively lower satisfaction. Native elderly, in contrast, benefited more from established social networks and local policy support.Novelty/improvementUnlike previous studies that focus predominantly on migrant workers or treat elderly populations as a homogeneous group, this study offers a comparative lens on migrant and native elderly, revealing unique challenges faced by migrant elders in urban environments. The findings highlight the need for more inclusive social participation opportunities and portable medical insurance policies to improve the well-being of migrant elderly in rapidly urbanizing areas. This study contributes empirical evidence to inform aging-related policy development under China’s demographic transition. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a8a8fd2861664f2bb616783a9447d7c4 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1664-1078 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-a8a8fd2861664f2bb616783a9447d7c42025-08-20T03:05:01ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-08-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15346371534637Exploring the determinants of subjective well-being among the elderly in Dongguan: a qualitative comparison of migrant and local residentsLi Jia0Li Jia1Hang Cheng2Jinzhi Huang3Huanting Liu4Qihui Gan5Xianglei Zhu6Jin Huang7Qikang Chen8Xiao Lin9Yuxi Liu10Yuxi Liu11Shunde Women and Children’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, ChinaSchool of Humanities and Management, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, ChinaSchool of Humanities and Management, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, ChinaShunde Women and Children’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, ChinaSchool of Humanities and Management, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, ChinaSchool of Humanities and Management, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, ChinaSchool of Humanities and Management, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, ChinaTangxia Town Community Health Service Center of Dongguan City, Dongguan, ChinaShunde Women and Children’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, ChinaSchool of Humanities and Management, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, ChinaShunde Women and Children’s Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, ChinaInstitute of Health Law and Policy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, ChinaObjectivesThis study aims to explore the determinants of subjective well-being among elderly populations in Dongguan, one of China’s most rapidly industrializing cities, with a particular focus on differences between migrant and native elderly residents.Methods/analysisA qualitative research design was employed. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 38 elderly participants (26 native and 12 migrant residents) in Tangxia Town, Dongguan City. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo software, and participant recruitment was conducted through purposive and snowball sampling until data saturation was reached.FindingsFive main themes influencing subjective well-being emerged: physical condition, family relationships, basic living conditions, environmental adaptation, and life security. Health and family reunification were universally regarded as critical to well-being. While both groups reported positive well-being, migrant elderly experienced more barriers in medical insurance coverage and lower engagement in social activities, contributing to relatively lower satisfaction. Native elderly, in contrast, benefited more from established social networks and local policy support.Novelty/improvementUnlike previous studies that focus predominantly on migrant workers or treat elderly populations as a homogeneous group, this study offers a comparative lens on migrant and native elderly, revealing unique challenges faced by migrant elders in urban environments. The findings highlight the need for more inclusive social participation opportunities and portable medical insurance policies to improve the well-being of migrant elderly in rapidly urbanizing areas. This study contributes empirical evidence to inform aging-related policy development under China’s demographic transition.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1534637/fullsubjective well-beingmigrant elderlynative elderlyqualitative researchDongguan |
| spellingShingle | Li Jia Li Jia Hang Cheng Jinzhi Huang Huanting Liu Qihui Gan Xianglei Zhu Jin Huang Qikang Chen Xiao Lin Yuxi Liu Yuxi Liu Exploring the determinants of subjective well-being among the elderly in Dongguan: a qualitative comparison of migrant and local residents Frontiers in Psychology subjective well-being migrant elderly native elderly qualitative research Dongguan |
| title | Exploring the determinants of subjective well-being among the elderly in Dongguan: a qualitative comparison of migrant and local residents |
| title_full | Exploring the determinants of subjective well-being among the elderly in Dongguan: a qualitative comparison of migrant and local residents |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the determinants of subjective well-being among the elderly in Dongguan: a qualitative comparison of migrant and local residents |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the determinants of subjective well-being among the elderly in Dongguan: a qualitative comparison of migrant and local residents |
| title_short | Exploring the determinants of subjective well-being among the elderly in Dongguan: a qualitative comparison of migrant and local residents |
| title_sort | exploring the determinants of subjective well being among the elderly in dongguan a qualitative comparison of migrant and local residents |
| topic | subjective well-being migrant elderly native elderly qualitative research Dongguan |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1534637/full |
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