City Newcomers’ Adaptation to Urban Life, Personal Well-Being, and Social Support

Abstract

We evaluated the level of adaptation of city newcomers (CNs) to urban life in China, and their personal well-being, and explored the mediating effect of social support on the relationship between these variables. We used a 2-stage sampling method to recruit 314 participants who completed the Adaptation to Urban Life Scale, Social Support Scale, and Personal Well-Being Scale. Structural equation modeling was used to test full and partial mediation effects. Findings showed that there was a significant correlation between the extent of CNs’ positive adaptation to urban life and their personal well-being. In addition, social support was beneficial for CNs’ personal well-being, and partially mediated the relationship between CNs’ adaptation to urban life and personal well-being. In addition, the adaptation to urban life dimensions of employment prospects, living conditions, and urban environment predicted CNs’ personal well-being. Implications of the findings are discussed, along with directions for future research.