Postgraduate medical trainees are exposed to intense stressors that frequently undermine their overall happiness and life satisfaction. While prior research has established that strong social networks can bolster psychological well-being, exactly how and under what conditions this occurs in medical postgraduates has remained largely unknown. This research investigated the pathways linking perceived social support to subjective well-being in this specific group, with a particular focus on two key processes: (1) whether anxiety acts as an intermediary factor, and (2) whether the use of alcohol and tobacco alters the strength of these connections. Nine hundred postgraduate medical students (average age 27.01 years, SD = 3.33) affiliated with The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University took part in the study. Participants filled out standardized questionnaires assessing levels of social support, anxiety symptoms (GAD-7), alcohol and tobacco consumption habits, and overall subjective well-being. Results from structural equation modeling showed that higher social support was linked to greater well-being both directly and indirectly through lower levels of anxiety (partial mediation). Additionally, heavier alcohol and tobacco use weakened the protective effect of reduced anxiety on well-being (moderation effect).
These findings clarify the mechanisms by which supportive relationships benefit postgraduate medical trainees and underscore the complicating role of substance use. The study offers a solid evidence base for designing targeted mental health programs aimed at strengthening well-being in this demanding population.
