Poverty Makes me Overwork: The Influence of Subjective Socioeconomic Status on Involution Behavior

Despite a considerable body of literature on involution behavior, there has been an overlook of its measurement and predictors. We conducted two studies to address this issue. In Study 1, we developed an involution behavior scale through in-depth interview ( N = 26) and surveys ( N = 735). Based on grounded theory, the scale was categorized into three dimensions: meaningless work, compelled effort behavior, and health sacrificing behavior. In Study 2, integrating social comparison theory, self-determination theory and social cognitive theory, we investigated how subjective socioeconomic status (SES) impacts involution behavior. Using a cross-lagged design and two-wave data ( N = 300), we identified a chain mediating role of competence satisfaction and self-efficacy in the relationship between subjective SES and involution behavior. These findings are of theoretical and practical significance for our understanding of Chinese involution behavior.