ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the relationship among absolute income,big five personality and life satisfaction,and the mediating effect of relative income.Methods 5927 citizens from different cities were assessed by NEO five-factor inventory (NEO-FFI) and satisfaction with life scale (SWLS).Results (1) The mean score of life satisfaction was 19.61 ± 5.99.Female scored higher than male,and there were statistically significant differences between them (19.98 ± 5.92 vs 19.14 ± 5.95,t =-5.08,P ＜ 0.01).(2) The absolute income,extraversion and conscientiousness had a significant main effect on life satisfaction (β =0.13 ～ 0.19,P ＜ 0.01),neuroticism,openness and agreeableness had a significant main negative effect on life satisfaction (β =-0.04--0.15,P＜0.01).(3)The relative income had a significant main effect on life satisfaction (β =0.35,P ＜0.01).(4)Relative income had a mediating effect on the relation between absolute income,neuroticism,extraversion,agreeableness,conscientiousness and life satisfaction (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Relative income has a mediating effect on the relation between absolute income,personality and life satisfaction.