The relationship between music listening and subjective well-being: evidence from the Chinese General Social Survey (2010-2023).

Background: Subjective well-being (SWB) has become a key indicator of quality of life, and growing evidence suggests that music listening can enhance SWB. However, most existing studies are based on Western contexts, with limited large-scale evidence from China. Methods: Using nationally representative data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS, 2010-2023), supplemented with an online survey, this study examines the relationship between music listening and SWB. The CGSS employs standardized questionnaires and a stratified multistage probability sampling design; all analyses incorporate sampling weights and clustered standard errors. Ordered logistic regression models, robustness tests, heterogeneity analyses, and mechanism analyses were conducted to assess the association and its potential pathways. Results: Music listening is consistently and positively associated with SWB across all nine CGSS waves. This association remains robust to a series of tests. The strength of the association fluctuates slightly over time, weakening around 2021 but strengthening again in 2023. Heterogeneity analyses show that the association is stronger among women, older adults, the unemployed, individuals without a parter, and those with lower social or economic status. Mechanism analyses indicate that improvements in health may partially explain this relationship, and that individuals who perceive stronger health benefits from music tend to listen more frequently and spend more on music consumption. Conclusion: Music listening is positively associated with SWB in China, with health functioning as a potential pathway. Enhancing public awareness of music's health benefits and expanding free or affordable access to music platforms may help promote wider engagement in music listening and support improvements in well-being.