The Influence of Junzi Personality on Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among Chinese University Students: A Variable-Centered and Person-Centered Perspective

The Influence of Junzi Personality on Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among Chinese University Students: A Variable-Centered and Person-Centered Perspective | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article The Influence of Junzi Personality on Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among Chinese University Students: A Variable-Centered and Person-Centered Perspective Hong Yang, Yi Xu, Huixin Zhou, Dehua Wu, Keqi Tang, Liangshi Yan, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9005873/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 7 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background : Tsze-lu asked what constituted the superior man. The Master said, “The cultivation of himself in reverential carefulness.” “And is this all?” said Tsze-lu. “He cultivates himself so as to give rest to others,” was the reply (Analects 14.43). Rooted in traditional Chinese culture, Junzi personality embodies moral self-cultivation and social responsibility. Exploring such indigenous psychological resources is valuable for fostering character strengths and culturally responsive mental health education. This study examines the impact of university students’ Junzi personality and its heterogeneity on internalizing (anxiety, depression) and externalizing (aggressive behavior) problems. Methods : A sample of 2,022 Chinese undergraduates aged 18-22 years ( M = 18.59, SD = 1.59; 827 men, 40.9%) completed the Junzi Personality in Confucian Thought Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), and the Interpersonal Trust Scale (ITS). Analyzed from variable-centered and person-centered approaches. Results : University students’ Junzi personality can directly predict internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior), and also influences such problems through the independent and chain-mediating effects of subjective happiness and interpersonal trust.Furthermore, Junzi personality among university students exhibits heterogeneity and can be categorized into three distinct profiles: Self-Establishment type (27%), Self-Cultivation type (44.61%), and Peace-Making type (28.39%). The impact of Junzi personality profiles on internalizing and externalizing problems differs significantly ( p < 0.001). Specifically, the Self-Establishment type shows the highest levels of internalizing and externalizing problems, followed by the Self-Cultivation type, while the Peace-Making type demonstrates the lowest levels. Junzi personality profiles exhibit stronger predictive power for internalizing problems than for externalizing problems. Conclusion : This study reveals the mechanisms through which Junzi personality influences internalizing and externalizing problems, as well as the significant differences in these outcomes across distinct Junzi personality subgroups.University-based mental health education can integrate the concept of Junzi personality into culturally adapted intervention programs, empowering students’ positive development through the traditional wisdom of “cultivating oneself to give rest to others”. Junzi personality Internalizing and externalizing problems Subjective happiness Interpersonal trust Heterogeneity Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 1. Introduction Internalizing and externalizing problems are core indicators of psychological maladjustment, serving as both prodromal symptoms of psychopathology and robust predictors of long-term social impairment (Webber et al., 2012). According to the World Health Organization (2024), one in seven adolescents aged 10–19 worldwide suffers from a mental disorder, accounting for 15% of the disease burden in this age group, with depressive, anxiety, and behavioral disorders being the leading causes (World Health Organization, 2024). The Blue Book of Mental Health: National Report on the Development of Mental Health in China (2023–2024) further indicates that depression peaks among individuals aged 18–24 (Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2025). University students, facing academic competition, peer pressure, and employment uncertainty, are a high-risk cohort for these problems (Gao et al., 2020). Consequent sequelae such as sleep disturbances (Oginni et al., 2026; Liu et al., 2025), academic dysfunction (Kulakow et al., 2024), and elevated suicide risk (Wang, 2024) are all rising, positioning university students’ internalizing and externalizing problems as a global public-health concern. The culture–mind interaction theory posits that personality is shaped not only by biological and psychological factors but also by cultural values and social norms (Markus & Kitayama, 1991). While Western individualism emphasizes the independent self, Confucian culture highlights the relational self, captured in the ideal of “round without, square within” (Zhou et al., 2023). Confucian classics articulate this through statements such as “ The superior man is affable, but not adulatory ” (Analects13.23) and “I do not know how a man without trustworthiness is to get on” (Analects2.22). Within this framework, Confucian “junzi personality” has been operationalized as a five-dimensional construct—wisdom–benevolence–courage, reverence and propriety, righteousness and virtue, knowing what not to do, and self-restraint without contention (Ge et al., 2021). It reflects a moralized self cultivated through inner reflection and persistent learning (Huang & Wang, 2013). Empirically, junzi personality has been shown to predict mental health via self-control and authenticity (Ge & Hou, 2021), promote positive empathy through emotion regulation (Wang et al., 2025), and enhance self-transcendence through connectedness to nature (Zhu et al., 2025). Thus, junzi personality constitutes an indigenous protective factor for university students’ mental health in Chinese cultural contexts. Nevertheless, prior research has predominantly relied on Western personality frameworks, such as the Big Five, to examine the relationship between personality and internalizing/externalizing problems. For instance, higher levels of conscientiousness and agreeableness have been shown to significantly mitigate such problems (Si, 2017), and personality indirectly predicts depression through perceived stress (Zheng et al., 2023). While these findings highlight the link between personality and individual emotional outcomes, they tend to overlook the profound influence of culture on patterns of self-collective interaction. Within the context of Chinese Confucian culture, when individuals internalize virtues such as benevolence (ren), righteousness (yi), propriety (li), wisdom (zhi), and trustworthiness (xin) as personal standards, can Junzi personality reduce internalizing and externalizing problems by enhancing interpersonal harmony? This question remains unresolved. Therefore, grounded in the context of Chinese Confucianism and drawing upon classical Confucian propositions as a theoretical framework, this study integrates contemporary psychological empirical methods to investigate the impact of Junzi personality and its heterogeneity on internalizing and externalizing problems. The findings aim to provide theoretical guidance and empirical evidence for fostering positive personality development and enhancing mental health among university students. 1.1 Junzi Personality and Internalizing-Externalizing Problems Internalizing problems are characterized by internally directed psychological distress, manifesting as covert emotional and cognitive symptoms such as depression and anxiety (Achenbach et al., 1966; Feng et al., 2023;Liu et al., 2016). Persistent internalizing problems may develop into severe psychological disorders and negatively impact academic, career, and social functioning (Webber et al., 2012). Externalizing problems refer to externally directed maladaptive behaviors, typically represented by overt conduct such as aggression that violates social norms (Achenbach et al., 2016). In Confucian discourse, the Junzi personality embodies the ideal character paradigm. Confucius articulated the path of Junzi self-cultivation through three dimensions: The Master said, ‘The way of the superior man is threefold, but I am not equal to it. Virtuous, he is free from anxieties; wise, he is free from perplexities; bold, he is free from fear.’ Tze-kung said, ‘Master, that is what you yourself say.’” (Analects 14.28) . This implies that individuals with Junzi personality experience less confusion, worry, and fear, while worry and anxiety fall under internalizing emotional issues. Empirical studies show that personality significantly negatively predicts internalizing problems (Li et al., 2008). Hence, a hypothesis is proposed: Junzi personality negatively predicts internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) among university students.Mencius stated, “ ren ” (benevolence) constitutes the core concept, whose essential nature is “ the benevolent loves others. ” Mencius said: “That whereby the superior man is distinguished from other men is what he preserves in his heart—namely, benevolence and propriety. The benevolent man loves others. The man of propriety shows respect to others. He who loves others is constantly loved by them. He who respects others is constantly respected by them. ”( Mencius 28 ). A mind grounded in “benevolence” leads the Junzi to engage in altruistic actions. Empirical research indicates that low agreeableness is linked to externalizing problems, which contrasts with the benevolence and altruism central to Junzi personality (Wang, 2021; Xie et al., 2016; Ge et al., 2021). Thus, Junzi personality negatively predicts externalizing problems (aggressive behaviors) among university students.In summary, Hypothesis H1 is proposed: Junzi personality negatively predicts both internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behaviors) among university students. 1.2 The mediating role of subjective happiness Mencius proposed: “The superior man has three things in which he delights, and to be ruler over the empire is not one of them. That his father and mother are both alive, and that the condition of his brothers affords no cause for anxiety—this is one delight. That, when looking up, he has no occasion for shame before Heaven, and, below, he has no occasion to blush before men—this is the second delight. That he can get from the whole empire the most talented individuals, and teach and nourish them—this is the third delight.” (Mencius 20). This intrinsic spiritual joy aligns with the psychological concept of subjective happiness, which is a comprehensive evaluation of life satisfaction and a positive emotional state (Diener et al., 1999). Empirical studies show that higher levels of Junzi personality are associated with greater subjective happiness (Zhao & Zhang, 2025; Ge, 2021). Accordingly, it is hypothesized that Junzi personality positively predicts subjective happiness among university students. The Duke of Sheh asked T sze-lu about Confucius, and T sze-lu did not answer him. The Master said, “Why did you not say to him,— He is simply a man, who in his eager pursuit (of knowledge) forgets his food, who in the joy of its attainment forgets his sorrows, and who does not perceive that old age is coming on?” (Analects 7.19). This state of "forgetting sorrows in joy" indicates that such profound happiness can reduce internal negative emotions like depression and anxiety. Empirical research demonstrates that subjective happiness negatively predicts internalizing problems such as anxiety and depressive symptoms (Yu, 2023). Therefore, it is hypothesized that subjective happiness has a negative effect on internalizing problems (anxiety, depression). The principle of “enjoyment without being licentious, and of grief without being hurtfully excessive” (Analects 3.20) emphasizes emotional moderation. Since aggressive behavior, a typical externalizing problem, often stems from failures in emotion regulation or impulse control (Anderson, 2002), balanced subjective happiness can reduce such behaviors by adhering to this principle. Empirical evidence indicates that subjective happiness negatively predicts aggressive behavior (Liu, 2023). Thus, it is hypothesized that subjective happiness has a negative effect on externalizing problems (aggressive behavior). In summary, higher Junzi personality is associated with greater subjective happiness, which in turn reduces both internalizing and externalizing problems. Consequently, Hypothesis H2 is proposed: Subjective happiness mediates the relationship between Junzi personality and internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior) among university students. 1.3 The mediating role of interpersonal trust Tze-hsia said, “If a man withdraws his mind from the love of beauty, and applies it as sincerely to the love of the virtuous; if, in serving his parents, he can exert his utmost strength; if, in serving his prince, he can devote his life; if, in his intercourse with his friends, his words are sincere:—although men say that he has not learned, I will certainly say that he has.” (Analects 1.7). This underscores that a hallmark of Junzi's moral cultivation is sincerity and trustworthiness in friendship. In psychology, interpersonal trust refers to positive expectations and beliefs towards others in social interactions (Yang & Peng, 1999). While direct empirical studies linking Junzi personality to interpersonal trust are limited, research shows that the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) negatively predicts interpersonal trust (Yang et al., 2021; Bertl et al., 2017). In contrast, the Junzi personality, rooted in benevolence (ren), is likely to foster greater harmony and trust. Accordingly, it is hypothesized that Junzi personality positively predicts interpersonal trust among university students. The Master said, “I will not be afflicted at men’s not knowing me; I will be afflicted that I do not know men.” (Analects 1.16) . Confucius regarded trustworthiness as fundamental to friendship. In this Confucian context, trust serves not only as a lubricant for interpersonal harmony but also as intrinsic to the Junzi’s self-cultivation: by extending trust, one fosters reciprocal trust, reducing suspicion and emotional exhaustion. It follows that individuals with high interpersonal trust gain emotional support, which buffers against internalizing distress such as anxiety and depression, while also reducing excessive concern about others’ evaluations. Empirical studies have shown that social anxiety is significantly negatively correlated with online interpersonal trust (Zhao et al., 2021; Jin et al., 2017), and interpersonal trust significantly negatively predicts depressive tendencies (Chen, 2023). Accordingly, it is hypothesized that interpersonal trust negatively predicts internalizing problems (anxiety, depression). The Master said, “The superior man is affable, but not adulatory; the mean man is adulatory, but not affable.” (Analects 13.23). The Junzi maintains harmony while respecting differences. Consequently, individuals with higher interpersonal trust are more likely to engage in behaviors conducive to social harmony and exhibit fewer externalizing problems, such as aggression. Empirical research indicates that interpersonal trust significantly enhances prosocial behavior (Chen & An, 2019; Ma & Huang, 2022) and negatively predicts aggression (Zhang et al., 2023). Accordingly, it is hypothesized that interpersonal trust negatively predicts externalizing problems (aggressive behavior). In summary, higher levels of Junzi personality are associated with greater interpersonal trust, which in turn reduces both internalizing and externalizing problems. Consequently, the following mediation hypotheses are proposed: Hypothesis H3: Interpersonal trust mediates the relationship between Junzi personality and both internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior) among university students. 1.4 The chain mediating role of subjective happiness and interpersonal trust The Master said,“Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application?“Is it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters? “Is he not a man of complete virtue, who feels no discomposure though men may take no note of him?”(Analects 1.1). Confucius begins the Analects by noting that the joy of the Junzi stems from learning—is it not a joy to study and regularly review what has been learned? He then adds, is it not also a delight to have friends visit from afar? Not becoming angry or resentful over others' lack of understanding is precisely the mark of a cultivated Junzi. Thus, it can be seen that the cultivation of the Junzi first arises from learning, beginning with the attainment of personal happiness, followed by the establishment of positive interpersonal relationships, which in turn further enhances the Junzi’s character—this, too, is a great joy. It is worth emphasizing, however, that the joy derived from learning precedes the joy of having friends; the happiness gained through self-improvement enables the joy of interacting with friends and establishing trust-based relationships, which ultimately contributes to harmony in society. This precisely illustrates that subjective happiness must first be attained before trust in interpersonal relationships can be built. It follows that individuals with a high level of Junzi personality enhance their subjective happiness through the “three joys” of the Junzi: the joy of family, the joy of morality, and the joy of education. Among these, the intrinsic happiness gained through learning facilitates the establishment of better interpersonal relationships, and as harmony and trust in these relationships increase, internal anxiety and depression, as well as external aggressive behaviors, correspondingly decrease. Previous research has confirmed, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, the predictive role of interpersonal trust in subjective happiness (Zhong et al., 2024; Bi et al., 2025), indicating a positive correlation between interpersonal trust and subjective happiness. Importantly, in a longitudinal meta-analysis, the predictive relationship between interpersonal trust and subjective happiness is not unidirectional; subjective happiness also functions as an antecedent, and the two reinforce each other (Bi et al., 2025). Combining this with the progression from the joy of learning to the joy of having friends, Hypothesis H4 is proposed: Subjective happiness and interpersonal trust play a chain-mediating role in the relationship between Junzi personality and internalizing-externalizing problems. 1.5 The Heterogeneity of Junzi Personality and Internalizing-Externalizing Problems It is noteworthy that the Junzi personality is not a singular, homogeneous construct, but rather exhibits significant heterogeneity across populations. According to Confucian personality theory, the Junzi (the superior man) and the Xiaoren (the mean man) are opposing archetypes that are also understood to be capable of mutual transformation. The evolution from an ideal personality to a realized one involves varying degrees of differentiation, giving rise to diverse manifestations such as the benevolent person, the wise person, and the courageous person(Lin et al., 2025). Empirical studies have also revealed distinct interpersonal differences between the Junzi and the rigidly principled person. While the Junzi is characterized by external flexibility and internal integrity—adhering to principles while skillfully navigating social relations—the rigidly principled person demonstrates internal integrity but lacks external adaptability, resulting in principled yet inflexible conduct (Zhou et al., 2023). Furthermore, some scholars have classified the Junzi personality into three types: the Zhongxingzhe (balanced person), the Kuangzhe (bold enthusiast), and the Juanzhe (cautious abstainer), finding significant differences among them in terms of awe (Lin et al., 2025). Other researchers have proposed categories such as the balanced moderate, the virtuous gentleman, and the talented but unprincipled, revealing that the virtuous gentleman displays the highest degree of openness to dissenting views, significantly surpassing the other two types (Yin & Yue, 2025). These studies provide an important foundation for deepening the theoretical understanding of the Junzi personality and expanding its empirical application. However, influenced by historical development and multicultural interaction, it is difficult to expect modern individuals to adhere to Confucian values in the same way as people in traditional Chinese society did (Du & Duan, 2019). This is particularly true for university students, who are undergoing dramatic physical and psychological changes as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Their values and personality remain in a dynamic and formative stage, not yet fully stabilized (Marshall et al., 2024; Rebecca et al., 2016). Moreover, Confucius lamented: Since I cannot get men pursuing the due medium, to whom I might communicate my instructions, must find the ardent and the cautiously-decided. The ardent will advance and lay hold of truth; the cautiously-decided will keep themselves from what is wrong. (Analects 13.21) . He also sighed: Perfect is the virtue which is according to the Mean! Rare have they long been among the people, who could practice it. (Doctrine of the Mean.3) , indicating that the Mean (Zhongyong) represents a highly elevated and difficult-to-sustain moral state within the Junzi personality. Empirical research similarly suggests that the state of the Mean in the Junzi personality is often associated with stable personality structures and rich life experience (Ge, 2021; Yang, 2014). As university students generally possess limited life experience and have not yet reached full personality maturity, they may find it challenging to attain this ideal state. Furthermore, in the current context where mindsets such as “Buddha-like” indifference“lying flat” are emerging, there is an even greater need for university students to pursue positive development and strive toward ideals. Therefore, the Junzi personality among contemporary university students may exhibit a more diverse structural profile than traditional typologies suggest. To further reveal the internal variations in the Junzi personality among university students, this study proposes Hypothesis 5: The Junzi personality among university students is heterogeneous, meaning that multiple distinct profiles of the Junzi personality exist within this population. Although previous studies have preliminarily explored the relationships between Junzi personality and positive variables such as self-control, prosocial behavior, cultural identity, positive empathy, and mental health using variable-centered approaches (Ge & Hou, 2021; Wang, 2025; Zhu et al., 2025), no research has yet systematically examined the social adaptation function of Junzi personality from the perspective of internalizing and externalizing problems. Moreover, classical Confucian texts describe different personality types such as the due medium (zhongxingzhe), the ardent (kuangzhe), the cautiously-decided (juanzhe), and the village careful people (xiangyuan), noting that “ the ardent will advance and lay hold of truth ” “ the cautiously-decided will keep themselves from what is wrong ” and “ Your good, careful people of the villages are the thieves of virtue ”( Analects 17.13 ). This suggests heterogeneity within Junzi personality, with different personality types exhibiting distinct characteristics and behavioral tendencies, which may further influence their mental health. To thoroughly examine this perspective and investigate the specific manifestations of different Junzi personality types in the mental health adaptation of contemporary university students, it is necessary to employ methods capable of effectively identifying heterogeneous group structures. This study applies Latent Profile Analysis to classify and estimate parameters for heterogeneous groups of Junzi personality based on participants’ response patterns to Junzi personality in Confucian Questionnaire. Linear regression analysis is further used to examine differences among different latent profiles in internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior). Accordingly, the following research hypotheses are proposed: Hypothesis 6: There are significant differences in the levels of internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior) among university students with different Junzi personality profiles. 1.6 The current study Based on the above literature review, this study investigates the relationship between Junzi personality and internalizing-externalizing problems among university students (see Fig. 1 , provided as a separate file) . The following hypotheses are proposed: H1 : Junzi personality negatively predicts internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior). H2 : Subjective happiness mediates the relationship between Junzi personality and internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior). H3 : Interpersonal trust mediates the relationship between Junzi personality and internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior). H4 : Subjective happiness and interpersonal trust play a chain-mediating role in the relationship between Junzi personalityproblems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior). H5 :There are distinct latent profiles of Junzi personality among university students. H6 : There are significant differences in the levels of internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior) among university students with different Junzi personality profiles. 2 Method 2.1 Participants This study was approved by the ethics committee of the university to which the first author is affiliated. Using random cluster sampling, recruitment notices were distributed in September 2025 through the academic administration systems of two comprehensive universities (undergraduate programs) in East China. A total of 2,300 full-time undergraduate students ultimately participated in the assessment. The inclusion criteria were: age 18–22 years; currently enrolled as a full-time freshman to senior; no history of severe physical or mental illness; and no participation in similar psychological assessments in the past three months. The exclusion criteria were: inability to complete the paper-based questionnaire independently; failure to sign the electronic informed consent form; completion time less than one-third of the average duration or consecutive identical responses for more than 90% of the items. After online screening and data cleaning, 278 invalid questionnaires were excluded, resulting in 2,022 valid samples and an effective response rate of 87.9%. Among the participants, 827 (40.9%) were male and 1,195 (59.1%) were female, aged 18–22 years ( M = 18.59, SD = 1.59). The sample included 1,263 freshmen (62.46%), 400 sophomores (19.78%), and 359 juniors (17.54%). All participants provided informed consent before proceeding to the formal assessment. 2.2 Measures 2.2.1 Junzi Personality in Confucian Thought Scale Junzi personality was measured using the Junzi Personality in Confucian Thought Scale developed by Ge et al. (2021). The scale consists of 30 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale, with 1 indicating “strongly disagree” and 7 indicating “strongly agree”. It includes five dimensions: Wisdom, Benevolence, and Courage ( zhi ren yong ), Respectfulness and Ritual Propriety ( gong er you li ), Emphasizing Righteousness and Cultivating Virtue ( yu yi huai de ), Refraining from Improper Actions ( you suo bu wei ), and Self-Restraint and Non-Contention ( chi ji wu zheng ). Among these, the Refraining from Improper Actions dimension is reverse-scored. A sample item is: “I am dignified and self-respecting, possessing a certain degree of prestige within the group I belong to.” Higher total scores indicate a higher level of Junzi personality (Ge et al., 2021). In this study, the Cronbach’s α coefficients for the five dimensions were 0.80, 0.80, 0.77, 0.66, and 0.81, respectively. The overall Cronbach’s α for the scale was 0.90. 2.2.2 Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)​ Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (Kroenke & Williams, 2001). The scale comprises 9 items rated on a 4-point scale ranging from 0 (“not at all”) to 3 (“nearly every day”). Scores of 0–4 indicate no symptoms, 5–9 indicate possible mild depressive symptoms, 10–14 indicate possible moderate depressive symptoms, and scores of 15 or above indicate possible severe depressive symptoms. A sample item is: “Little interest or pleasure in doing things.” The total score is the sum of all items, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms. In this study, the Cronbach’s α coefficient for this scale was 0.76. 2.2.3 Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)​ Anxiety was measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (Spitzer et al., 2006). The scale includes 7 items rated on a 4-point scale from 0 (“not at all”) to 3 (“nearly every day”). The total score is the sum of all items, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety symptoms. Scores of 0–4 indicate no symptoms, 5–9 indicate possible mild anxiety, 10–14 indicate possible moderate anxiety, and 15–21 indicate possible severe anxiety. A sample item is: “Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge.” In this study, the Cronbach’s α coefficient for this scale was 0.87. 2.2.4 Brief Aggression Questionnaire (BAQ)​ Aggressive behavior was measured using the Chinese version of the Brief Aggression Questionnaire , originally developed by Webster et al. (2014) and revised by Shi et al. (2025). The scale consists of 12 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale, with 1 indicating “strongly disagree” and 5 indicating “strongly agree”. It includes four subscales: Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression, Anger, and Hostility. A sample item is: “If sufficiently provoked, I might hit someone.” The scores of all items are summed, with higher scores indicating higher levels of aggressive behavior. In this study, the Cronbach’s α coefficients for the four subscales were 0.79, 0.66, 0.72, and 0.66, respectively. The overall Cronbach’s α for the scale was 0.79. 2.2.5 Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS)​ Subjective happiness was measured using the Subjective Happiness Scale developed by Lyubomirsky et al. (1999). The scale comprises 4 items rated on a 7-point scale, with higher scores indicating higher levels of subjective happiness. The fourth item is reverse-scored. A sample item is: “In general, do you consider yourself a happy person?” In this study, the Cronbach’s α coefficient for this scale was 0.74. 2.2.6 Interpersonal Trust Scale (ITS) Interpersonal trust was measured using the Interpersonal Trust Scale developed by Rotter et al. (1967). The scale consists of 25 items rated on a 5-point scale. Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 19, and 24 are reverse-scored. The total score is the sum of all items, with higher scores indicating higher levels of interpersonal trust. A sample item is: “In our society, hypocrisy is becoming increasingly common.” In this study, the Cronbach’s α coefficient for this scale was 0.74. 2.3 Data analysis This study used SPSS 26.0 for data analysis. The SPSS Process macro developed by Hayes (2017) was employed to test the chain mediation model and conduct bootstrap analysis. Subsequently, Mplus 8.4 was used to perform latent profile analysis (LPA), and the full information maximum likelihood (FIML) method was applied to handle missing data(Wang & Bi, 2018). Finally, the BCH method (Bose–Chaudhuri–Hocquenghem method) was utilized to further examine the impact of the latent profiles on internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior). 3 Results 3.1 Control and verification of common method variance The Harman’s single-factor test was employed to examine the two-wave data for potential common method bias (Zhou & Long, 2004). The results of the unrotated principal component factor analysis indicated the presence of 21 common factors with eigenvalues greater than 1. Among these, the first factor accounted for 12.75% of the variance. Since this value is below the critical threshold of 40%, the data in this study do not exhibit severe common method bias. Full information maximum likelihood estimation was used for data analysis. 3.2 Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis After controlling for gender and grade, the results indicated that Junzi personality was significantly positively correlated with subjective happiness and interpersonal trust ( P < 0.001), and significantly negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior ( P < 0.001). Subjective happiness was significantly positively correlated with Junzi personality and interpersonal trust ( P < 0.001), and significantly negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior ( P < 0.001). Interpersonal trust was significantly positively correlated with Junzi personality and subjective happiness ( P < 0.001), and significantly negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior (P < 0.001). Additionally, anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior were all significantly positively correlated with each other, but not with Junzi personality, subjective happiness, or interpersonal trust ( P < 0.001). Specific correlation coefficients are detailed in Table 1 . Table 1 Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis results (N = 2022) variable M SD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1.Gender 1 2.Age 18.59 0.82 1 3. Junzi Personality 146.87 16.20 0.02 0.03 1 0.33*** 0.33*** -0.23*** -0.31*** -0.21*** 4.Subjective Happiness 19.41 3.39 0.03 0.00 0.33*** 1 0.29*** -0.38*** -0.33*** -0.19*** 5.Interpersonal Trust 74.82 7.81 0.08** -0.02 0.33*** 0.29*** 1 -0.28*** -0.31*** -0.15*** 6. Anxiety 10.91 3.39 0.03 -0.03 -0.23*** -0.38*** -0.28*** 1 0.60*** 0.09*** 7. Depression 5.15 3.44 -0.01 -0.01 -0.31*** -0.33*** -0.31*** 0.60*** 1 0.10*** 8. Aggressive Behavior 28.19 6.62 0.01 0.02 -0.21*** -0.19*** -0.15*** 0.09*** 0.10*** 1 Note: * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 3.3 Moderated chain mediating effect test All variables were standardized, and the unmoderated chain mediation effect was first tested using Model 6 in the SPSS PROCESS macro. Additionally, while controlling for gender and grade, Junzi personality, subjective happiness, interpersonal trust, anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior were sequentially included in the regression equations to construct a chain mediation model. The results are as follows (see Tables 2 ). Table 2 Regression Analysis of Different Chain Mediation Models (N = 2022) predictive variable: Gender Age Junzi Personality Subjective Happiness Interpersonal Trust R 2 F outcome variable: Subjective Happiness β 0.06 -0.01 0.33*** 0.11*** 82.15*** SE 0.04 0.03 0.02 p 0.24 0.72 < 0.001 95% CI (-0.03,0.13) (-0.06,0.04) (0.29,0.37) outcome variabl: Interpersonal Trust β 0.13** -0.03 -0.08*** 0.20*** 0.15*** 89.55*** SE 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.02 p < 0.01 0.21 < 0.001 < 0.001 95% CI (0.05,0.21) (-0.08,0.02) (-0.12,-0.04) (0.16,0.25) outcome variable: Anxiety β 0.11** -0.04 -0.08*** -0.31*** -0.17*** 0.18*** 91.42*** SE 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 p < 0.01 0.15 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 95% CI (0.03,0.19) (-0.08,0.01) (-0.12,-0.04) (-0.35,-0.27) (-0.21,-0.12) outcome variable: Subjective Happiness β 0.05 -0.01 0.33*** 0.11*** 82.15*** SE 0.04 0.03 0.02 p 0.24 0.72 < 0.001 95% CI (-0.03,0.13) (-0.06,0.04) (0.28,0.40) outcome variabl: Interpersonal Trust β 0.13** -0.03 0.26*** 0.20 *** 0.15*** 89.55*** SE 0.05 0.03 0.02 0.02 p < 0.01 0.21 < 0.001 < 0.001 95% CI (0.05,0.21) (-0.08,0.02) (0.22.0.30) (0.16.0.25) outcome variable: Depression β 0.02 -0.00 -0.17*** -0.22*** -0.19*** 0.18*** 91.07*** SE 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 p 0.56 0.85 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001 95% CI (-0.06,0.10) (-0.05,0.04) (-0.21,-0.13) (-0.27,-0.18) (-0.23,-0.15) outcome variable: Subjective Happiness β 0.05 -0.01 0.33*** 0.11*** 82.15*** SE 0.04 0.03 0.02 p 0.24 0.72 < 0.001 95% CI (-0.03, 0.13) (-0.06,0.04) (0.29,0.37) outcome variabl: Interpersonal Trust β 0.13** -0.03 0.26*** 0.20*** 0.15*** 89.55*** SE 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.02 p < 0.01 0.21 < 0.001 < 0.001 95% CI (0.05,0.21) (-0.08,0.02) (0.22,0.30) (0.16,0.25) outcome variable: Aggressive Behavior β 0.05 0.02 -0.15 -0.12*** -0.07** 0.07*** 28.69*** SE 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.02 p 0.26 0.35 < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.01 95% CI (-0.04, 0.14) (-0.03, 0.08) (-0.20,-0.11) (-0.16,-0.07) (-0.12,-0.03) Note: * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 In Table 2 , Junzi personality negatively predicted anxiety ( β = − 0.08, t = − 3.55, 95% CI [–0.12, − 0.04]). Subjective happiness positively predicted interpersonal trust ( β = 0.20, t = 9.34, 95% CI [0.16, 0.25]) and negatively predicted anxiety ( β = − 0.31, t = − 14.91, 95% CI [–0.35, − 0.27]), while interpersonal trust negatively predicted anxiety ( β = − 0.17, t = − 7.64, 95% CI [–0.21, − 0.12]). Junzi personality negatively predicted depression ( β = − 0.17, t = − 7.66, 95% CI [–0.21, − 0.13]). Subjective happiness positively predicted interpersonal trust ( β = 0.20, t = 9.34, 95% CI [0.16, 0.25]) and negatively predicted depression ( β = − 0.22, t = − 10.22, 95% CI [–0.27, − 0.18]), while interpersonal trust negatively predicted depression ( β = − 0.19, t = − 8.71, 95% CI [–0.23, − 0.15]). Junzi personality negatively predicted aggressive behavior ( β = − 0.15, t = − 6.43, 95% CI [–0.20, − 0.11]). Subjective happiness positively predicted interpersonal trust ( β = 0.20, t = 9.34, 95% CI [0.16, 0.25]) and negatively predicted aggressive behavior ( β = − 0.12, t = − 5.11, 95% CI [–0.16, − 0.07]), while interpersonal trust negatively predicted aggressive behavior ( β = − 0.07, t = − 3.04, 95% CI [–0.12, − 0.03]). Thus, Hypothesis 1 was supported. 3.4 Bootstrap Test for Mediating Variables Model 6 in the SPSS PROCESS macro was used to test the chain mediation effect, with 5,000 bootstrap resamples conducted. The bootstrap analysis of the mediating effects for each model is presented in Supplementary Table 3 and Fig. 2. Table 3 Bootstrap Analysis of Mediating Effects in Each Model Mode Path Indirect effect size Effect size BootstrapSE 95% CI Boot CI lower Boot CI upper Model1 Junzi Personality—Subjective Happiness—Anxiety -0.10 66.67% 0.01 -0.12 -0.08 Junzi Personality—Interpersonal Trust—Anxiety -0.04 26.66% 0.01 -0.06 -0.03 Junzi Personality—Subjective Happiness—Interpersonal Trust—Anxiety -0.01 6.67% 0.00 -0.02 -0.01 Total indirect effect -0.15 65.22% 0.02 -0.18 -0.13 Direct effect -0.08 34.78% 0.02 Total effect -0.23 1 0.02 模 Mode2 Junzi Personality—Subjective Happiness—Depression -0.07 53.85% 0.01 -0.09 -0.06 Junzi Personality—Interpersonal Trust—Depression -0.05 38.46% 0.01 -0.06 -0.04 Junzi Personality—Subjective Happiness—Interpersonal Trust—Depression -0.01 7.69% 0.00 -0.02 -0.01 Total indirect effect -0.13 43.33% 0.02 -0.16 -0.11 Direct effect -0.17 56.67% 0.02 Total effect -0.30 1 0.02 模Mode3 Junzi Personality—Subjective Happinesst—Aggressive Behavior -0.04 66.67% 0.01 -0.06 -0.02 Junzi Personality—Interpersonal Trust—Aggressive Behavior -0.01 16.67% 0.00 -0.03 -0.01 Junzi Personality—Subjective Happiness—Interpersonal Trust—Aggressive Behavior -0.01 16.67% 0.00 -0.01 -0.00 Total indirect effect -0.06 28.57% 0.01 -0.08 -0.05 Direct effect -0.15 71.43% 0.02 Total effect -0.21 1 0.02 Note: * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 In Models 1–3, the indirect effect of Junzi personality on anxiety through subjective happiness was − 0.10, 95% CI [–0.12, − 0.08]; the indirect effect on depression through subjective happiness was − 0.07, 95% CI [–0.09, − 0.06]; and the indirect effect on aggressive behavior through subjective happiness was − 0.04, 95% CI [–0.06, − 0.02]. These results support Hypothesis 2 . The indirect effect of Junzi personality on anxiety through interpersonal trust was − 0.04, 95% CI [–0.06, − 0.03]; the indirect effect on depression through interpersonal trust was − 0.05, 95% C I [–0.06, − 0.04]; and the indirect effect on aggressive behavior through interpersonal trust was − 0.01, 95% CI [–0.03, − 0.01]. These results support Hypothesis 3. The chain mediation effect of subjective happiness and interpersonal trust between Junzi personality and anxiety was − 0.01, 95% CI [–0.02, − 0.01]; between Junzi personality and depression was − 0.01, 95% CI [–0.02, − 0.01]; and between Junzi personality and aggressive behavior was − 0.01, 95% CI [–0.01, − 0.00]. These results support Hypothesis 4 . Specifically, the total indirect effect in Model 1 was − 0.15, 95% CI [–0.18, − 0.13], accounting for 65.22% of the total effect; in Model 2 it was − 0.13, 95% CI [–0.16, − 0.11], accounting for 43.33% of the total effect; and in Model 3 it was − 0.06, 95% CI [–0.08, − 0.05], accounting for 28.57% of the total effect. 3.5 Heterogeneity of the Junzi Personality and Its Relationship with Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Table 4 Fit Indices for the Latent Profile Analysis of Junzi Personality 1 AIC BIC aBIC* Entropy LMR-LRT aLMR-LRT BLRT % 181058.63 181395.34 181204.72 —— —— —— —— 1 2 171349.77 171860.45 171571.33 0.90 p < 0.001 p < 0.001 p < 0.001 49.21%/50.79% 3 168706.46 169391.11 169003.51 0.88 p < 0.001 p < 0.001 p < 0.001 27%/44.61%/28.39% 4 167889.48 168748.09 168262.00 0.84 p < 0.001 p < 0.001 p < 0.001 20.77%/33.09%/ 29.82%/16.32% 5 167206.64 168239.22 167654.64 0.83 P = 0.276 P = 0.274 p < 0.001 16.72%/28.34%/20.03% 17.71%/17.21% Note: * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 Table 4 presents the model fit indices for the potential profiles of Junzi personality. First, regarding the fit indices, as the number of classes increased, the values of AIC, BIC, and aBIC* consistently decreased, indicating that the 5-class model was superior to the 4-class, the 4-class superior to the 3-class, the 3-class superior to the 2-class, and the 2-class superior to the 1-class model. Second, the Lo-Mendell-Rubin likelihood ratio test (LMR-LRT) and its adjusted version (aLMR-LRT) both reached statistical significance ( p < 0.001), and the Bootstrap likelihood ratio test (BLRT) was also significant, suggesting that the k-class model was significantly better than the k-1 class model. However, the LMR-LRT and aLMR-LRT for the 5-class model were not significant ( p = 0.28, 0.27), which aligns with the common criterion of “stopping when the k-class test is non-significant”leading to the exclusion of the 5-class model. Furthermore, the 3-class model achieved an Entropy value of 0.88, higher than the 0.84 for the 4-class and 0.83 for the 5-class models, indicating the best classification accuracy. Additionally, the smallest latent class proportion in the 4-class model was 16.32%, approaching the critical threshold of 10%, whereas the class proportions in the 3-class model were 27%, 44.61%, and 28.39%, respectively, demonstrating a more balanced and reasonable distribution. Therefore, the 3-class model was selected as the optimal model for this study. Table 5 Average Probabilities of Profile Membership for the three Subgroups Subgroup n % Profile 1 Profile 2 Profile 3 Subgroup 1 546 27% 0.952 0.048 0.000 Subgroup 2 902 44.61% 0.028 0.935 0.037 Subgroup 3 574 28.39% 0.000 0.053 0.947 Note: * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 As shown in the probability matrix in Table 5 , the results indicate that members of each category are primarily concentrated along the diagonal, suggesting a high classification reliability. The latent profile analysis results support Hypothesis 5, confirming the heterogeneity of the Junzi personality among university students, meaning that multiple distinct profiles of the Junzi personality exist in this population. The Junzi’s cultivation begins with self-establishment and is fulfilled in bringing peace to others (Analects 14.43). Based on this “ self-cultivation and giving rest to others ” framework, this study identifies three distinct Junzi personality profiles (see Fig. 3 , provided as a separate file). The Self-Establishing Type (Beginning Stage, n = 546, 27%)​ This group exhibits the lowest scores across all five dimensions. Lowest performance appears on items 13, 14, and 26 (“I will change my views to please others”; “I feel happy when someone uses improper methods to please me”; “If a person speaks well, I consider him/her good”), which belong to the “Knowing What Not to Do” dimension. This indicates clear boundaries and basic moral restraint, representing the foundational stage of Junzi development focused on “establishing virtue and cultivating the self” (The Great Learning). The Self-Cultivating Type (Progression Stage, n = 902, 44.61%)​ The largest group shows significantly higher scores than Group 1 but lower than Group 3. This represents an intermediate developmental level characterized by active self-cultivation through practices such as self-examination (“I daily examine myself on three things..” Analects 1.4). The educational focus here is enhancing cultivation through practical engagement and preparing for social responsibility. The Peace-Making Type (Fulfillment Stage, n = 574, 28.39%) ​This most developed group displays the highest overall scores. They excel particularly in items 9 and 12 (“I act according to social norms” and “I can get along harmoniously with others”) from the “Respect and Ritual Propriety” dimension. Notably, their scores on items 13, 23, and 26 from the "Knowing What Not to Do" dimension decline, suggesting reduced emphasis on restraint as virtue becomes internalized. This profile embodies the Confucian ideal of “cultivating the self to give rest to others” characterized by social harmony, proactive spirit, and altruistic responsibility. Table 6 Junzi Personality across Three Subgroups: Descriptive Statistics and Comparisons (M ± SD) Wisdom- Benevolence-Courage Self- Establishing Type Self- Cultivating Type Peace- Making Type F Post Hoc Tests​ 1vs2 1vs.3 2vs.3 − .87(.66) − .16(.67) 1.08(.69) 1227.71 *** 1 < 2<3 0.04 *** 0.04 *** 0.04 *** Respect and Ritual Propriety -1.16(.63) .06(.58) 1.01(.54) 1944.17 *** 1 < 2<3 0.03 *** 0.03 *** 0.03 *** Embracing Righteousness and Cultivating Virtue − .91(.60) − .13(.67) 1.07(.70) 1285.64 *** 1 < 2<3 0.04 *** 0.04 *** 0.04 *** Knowing What Not to Do − .61(.84) .04(.89) .52(.99) 218.23 *** 1 < 2<3 0.05 *** 0.05 *** 0.05 *** Maintaining Integrity without Strife − .96(.90) .29(.76) .46(.80) 535.87 *** 1 < 2<3 0.04 *** 0.05 *** 0.04 *** Note: * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 Table 6 presents the descriptive statistics and results of difference tests for the standardized scores of the five dimensions of Junzi personality across the four groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the different latent profiles of Junzi personality exhibited statistically significant differences in scores across all dimensions: the Wisdom-Benevolence-Courage dimension ( F = 1227.71, p < 0.001), Respect and Ritual Propriety dimension ( F = 1944.17, p < 0.001), the Embracing Righteousness and Cultivating Virtue dimension ( F = 1128.72, p < 0.001), the Knowing What Not to Do dimension ( F = 218.23, p < 0.001), and the Maintaining Integrity without Strife (F = 535.87, p The Self-Cultivating Type > The Self-Establishing Type, with all pairwise comparisons reaching statistical significance ( p < 0.001). These results further validate the statistical meaningfulness of the four-class model. Table 7 Three Subgroups: Internalizing and Externalizing Problems (M ± SD) Anxiety Self- Establishing Type Self- Cultivating Type Peace- Making Type F η² Post Hoc Tests​ 1vs 2 1vs. 3 2vs. 3 .24(1.05) .04(.99) − .29(.88) 41.94 *** 0.040 1 > 2>3 0.05*** 0.06*** 0.05*** Depression .39(.89) .03(1.00) − .33(.99) 59.58 *** 0.056 1 > 2>3 0.05*** 0.06*** 0.05*** Aggressive Behavior .25(.94) .01(1.02) − .26(.97) 37.08 *** 0.035 1 > 2>3 0.05*** 0.06*** 0.05*** Note: * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 Table 7 presents the descriptive statistics and results of difference tests for internalizing and externalizing problems across the four groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences among the personality profiles in anxiety ( F = 41.94, p < 0.001, η² = 0.004), depression ( F = 59.58, p < 0.001, η² = 0.056), and aggressive behavior ( F = 37.08, p The Self-Cultivating Type > The Peace-Making Type (1 > 2 > 3). Specifically, the Self‑Establishing Type scored significantly higher than the other types on anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior ( p < 0.001), with the highest score observed for depression (M = 0.39, SD = 0.89). The Self-Cultivating Type scored significantly lower than the Peace-Making Type ( p < 0.001) on all three outcome measures. The Peace-Making Type had the lowest scores on anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior, which were significantly lower than those of all other types ( p < 0.001), indicating the fewest internalizing and externalizing problems. Meanwhile, the effect size for depression was the largest ( η² = 0.056), followed by anxiety, with aggressive behavior being the smallest. This indicates that the Junzi personality profiles have a stronger discriminatory power for internalizing problems than for externalizing problems. Consequently, post hoc multiple comparisons supported Hypothesis 6: There are significant differences in the levels of internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior) among university students with different Junzi personality profiles. 4. Discussion 4.1 The Relationship Between Junzi Personality and Internalizing-Externalizing Problems Among university Students This study found that Junzi personality significantly and negatively predicts both internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior) among university students. This result is consistent with previous research (Li, 2008; Wang, 2021; Ge, 2021) and further validates the positive effects of Junzi personality in the domain of mental health (Ge & Hou, 2021; Xie & Wu, 2024; Ge & Hou, 2020; Ge et al., 2023). Specifically, the Junzi possesses three cardinal virtues: wisdom (zhi), benevolence (ren), and courage (yong). The wise are free from perplexity; the benevolent are free from anxiety; the courageous are free from fear. Individuals with a high level of Junzi personality, who possess a loving heart, naturally experience less confusion, anxiety, and fear, thereby reducing internalizing problems. Concurrently, the benevolent love others. Individuals with a higher level of Junzi personality are more capable of transforming “benevolence” into prosocial sentiments and a sense of responsibility, making them less likely to engage in actions that harm the collective, thereby reducing externalizing problems such as aggressive behavior. 4.2 The Mediating Effect of Subjective Happiness Based on the traditional Confucian concept of “the joy of the Junzi” this study finds that subjective happiness serves as a key psychological mechanism linking Junzi personality to reduced mental health problems. Results show that Junzi personality significantly reduces both internalizing (anxiety, depression) and externalizing (aggressive behavior) problems by enhancing subjective happiness, validating the contemporary relevance of Confucian teachings such as “being so joyful that one forgets sorrow” and “being joyful yet not licentious, sorrowful yet not injured” (Analects). First, subjective happiness mediates the relationship between Junzi personality and internalizing problems, supporting prior research (Zhao et al., 2025; Ge, 2021; Yu, 2023). The wisdom, benevolence, and courage embodied in Junzi personality help individuals derive sustained satisfaction from family, morality, and purpose—a form of spiritual joy consistent with the Confucian “Three Joys” and modern subjective happiness. Second, subjective happiness also mediates the relationship between Junzi personality and externalizing problems, consistent with existing findings (Liu, 2023). Junzi personality not only elevates happiness but also encourages balanced emotional expression, as reflected in the Analects: “being joyful yet not licentious, sorrowful yet not injured”. This moderated happiness helps individuals maintain emotional restraint during conflicts, reducing aggression and other externalizing behaviors resulting from emotional dysregulation. 4.3 The Mediating Effect of Interpersonal Trust This study found that Junzi personality significantly alleviates university students' internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) by enhancing interpersonal trust, supporting prior conclusions that low interpersonal trust is associated with greater anxiety and depression (Zhao et al., 2021; Jin et al., 2017; Chen, 2023). Confucianism emphasizes that “in interactions with friends, be trustworthy in speech,” positioning trustworthiness as central to the Junzi’s moral cultivation. At the personality level, such trustworthiness enables individuals to convey consistent, dependable social signals, rapidly building reputational capital and receiving trust in return. A high-trust environment provides emotional support and psychological security, reduces sensitivity to evaluative threats, and alleviates emotional exhaustion from misunderstanding or isolation, thereby lowering internalizing symptoms. This confirms Confucius’ teaching: “Do not worry that others do not know you; worry that you do not know others.” By proactively demonstrating trustworthiness, individuals gain reciprocal trust, thereby dissolving self-focused evaluation anxiety. Furthermore, Junzi personality also negatively predicts externalizing problems (aggressive behavior), consistent with previous research (Ma & Huang, 2022; Zhang et al., 2023). Individuals higher in Junzi personality are better able to apply the principle of “harmony without uniformity” in interactions—respecting differences while maintaining goodwill. The trust cultivated through this approach inhibits aggression, encourages adherence to group norms, and promotes cooperation over confrontation, thereby reducing externalizing problems. Thus, interpersonal trust acts as a relational relay through which Junzi personality is externalized as prosocial conduct: establishing trust first, fostering harmony, and ultimately lowering the risk of externalizing issues, demonstrating the real-world behavioral restraint inherent in traditional moral cultivation. 4.4 The Chain Mediating Effect of Subjective Happiness and Interpersonal Trust Subjective happiness and interpersonal trust function as sequential mediators between Junzi personality and mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, aggression). Findings confirm that subjective happiness significantly predicts interpersonal trust (Bi et al., 2025). Junzi personality fosters subjective happiness through the “Three Joys” (family, morality, learning), which in turn strengthens interpersonal trust, ultimately reducing anxiety, depression, and aggression. Culturally, this happiness aligns with the Confucian principle of “loyalty and reciprocity” (zhong shu zhi dao), extending beyond personal fulfillment to support positive interpersonal behaviors. By enhancing trust, happiness facilitates sustained social support and a transition from solitary to shared well-being—embodying the Confucian ideal of “self-cultivation → harmony with others → collective flourishing”. Thus, Junzi personality operates through happiness and trust to mitigate both internalizing and externalizing problems. 4.5 Heterogeneity of the Junzi Personality and Its Relationship with Internalizing and Externalizing Problems This study adopted a person-centered approach to explore the heterogeneity of the Junzi personality among university students. Latent profile analysis identified three distinct profiles: the Self-Establishing Type (27%), the Self-Cultivating Type (44.61%), and the Peace-Making Type (28.39%). These findings support the existence of heterogeneity in the Junzi personality, consistent with previous research (Lin et al., 2025; Yin & Yue, 2025). University students are in a critical developmental stage characterized by dynamic personality formation and gradual maturation (Marshall et al., 2024; Rebecca et al., 2016), providing a rationale for the emergence of these distinct personality profiles. The classification follows the internal logic of “self-cultivation and giving rest to others” and is based on the following considerations. First, it aligns with the objectives of ideological and political education in the new era. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s call for aiming high, cultivating virtue, enhancing talent, and embracing responsibility (Xi, 2014) corresponds to the three-stage framework of self-cultivation and extending care to others, offering a concrete pathway for educational practice and evaluation. Second, it addresses the practical concerns of contemporary university students. Phenomena such as “Buddha-like” indifference and “lying flat” stem from a lack of autonomy, competence, and a sense of purpose (Qin & Dai, 2022; Ryan & Deci, 2000). The Junzi personality, oriented toward “giving rest to others” helps inspire students’ proactive spirit and sense of responsibility (Xu, 2002). Third, it is consistent with China’s collectivist cultural values. Chinese culture emphasizes realizing personal value within social relationships, with the highest ideal being “inner sagehood and outer kingship”. Research indicates that Chinese conceptions of courage, particularly “courage of responsibility” highlight collectivist values (Cheng & Huang, 2016), aligning with the “giving rest to others” orientation. Finally, traditional “balance way” (zhongxing) thought provides cultural support for this classification, as its emphasis on harmony and moral principles resonates with the progressive outward expansion inherent in “self-cultivation and giving rest to others” (Li, 2022). Junzi personality profiles are significantly linked to levels of internalizing and externalizing problems. Anxiety, depression, and aggression show a clear decreasing trend: Self-Establishing Type > Self-Cultivating Type > Peace-Making Type. The Peace-Making Type exhibited the lowest symptom levels, highlighting the systematic association between higher Junzi development and better mental health (Ge, 2021). This relationship can be interpreted from multiple perspectives. First, Self-Determination Theory suggests that fulfilling needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness—central to the Peace-Making Type’s social contribution—reduces internalizing distress. Second, Junzi traits such as “Knowing What Not to Do” and “Respect and Ritual Propriety” inherently inhibit aggression and interpersonal conflict. The developmental path of “cultivating oneself to give rest to others” (Analects 6.30) provides a value-driven framework for self-transcendence. Finally, this orientation aligns with China’s collectivist culture, where realizing value through social contribution offers meaning and support that buffers against both internalizing and externalizing problems, resonating with the integration of personal ideals into national progress. 5. Implications Based on the research findings, it is recommended that universities establish a stratified and categorized cultivation system for the Junzi personality, implementing differentiated educational strategies for the three personality types. The focus should be on guiding personality development toward the orientation of “bringing peace to others”. Resources from traditional culture, such as “self-cultivation and giving rest to others” should be organically integrated into mental health courses, group counseling sessions, and campus cultural development. Workshops and practical activities centered on the Junzi personality should also be developed. 6. Limitations and Future Directions The conclusions of this study must be considered in light of the following limitations: First, the participants were recruited only from central regions of China. Whether these findings can be generalized to other cultural contexts or demographic groups remains to be determined. Future research could expand the sample scope to enhance external validity. Second, as the data were collected through self-report measures, the results may be susceptible to respondent bias, which could compromise the objectivity of the findings. Future studies could strengthen validity by incorporating multiple sources of information (e.g., peer reports, behavioral observations) to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issues examined. Finally, this study employed a cross-sectional design, which limits inferences regarding causal relationships. Future research could adopt longitudinal or multi-wave designs to better explore the underlying causal mechanisms. 7. Conclusion University students’ Junzi personality can directly predict internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior), and also influences such problems through the independent and chain-mediating effects of subjective well-being and interpersonal trust.Furthermore, Junzi personality among university students exhibits heterogeneity and can be categorized into three distinct profiles: Self-Establishment type (27%), Self-Cultivation type (44.61%), and Peace-Making type (28.39%). The impact of Junzi personality profiles on internalizing and externalizing problems differs significantly ( p < 0.001). Specifically, the Self-Establishment type shows the highest levels of internalizing and externalizing problems, followed by the Self-Cultivation type, while the Peace-Making type demonstrates the lowest levels. Junzi personality profiles exhibit stronger predictive power for internalizing problems than for externalizing problems. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate This study involving human participants received ethics approval from the Bioethics Committee for Biomedical Research of Hunan Normal University (Approval No.: Lun Shen Ke 2024, No. 443). All procedures were conducted in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its subsequent amendments, as well as other internationally recognized ethical standards. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to their involvement. The study recruited middle school students in Hunan Province and employed a questionnaire survey to investigate a National General Project: Evolutionary trajectory of adolescent sleep quality in the context of “Healthy China”(Grant No. BBA220199). The Secondary Unit Bioethics Subcommittee (or the applicant’s affiliated college) reviewed the study and affirmed that the experimental design and protocol fully considered safety and fairness, safeguarded participants' rights to informed consent, and confirmed the absence of conflicts of interest between the research content and outcomes. The Ethics Committee granted final approval on September 20, 2024. Consent for publication Not applicable. Availability of data and materials The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. Funding This study was supported by the National Education Science Planning Project of China, National General Project-Evolutionary trajectory of adolescent sleep quality in the context of “Healthy China”, influencing factors and coping strategies (Grant No. BBA220199). Authors’ contributions Hong Yang wrote the original draft and developed the methodology. Yi Xu performed data processing and statistical analysis. Huixin Zhou provided resources and technical guidance. Dehua Wu supervised the methodology and provided technical guidance. Keqi Tang contributed to data collection and manuscript revision. Liangshi Yan supervised the study and reviewed the manuscript. Huazhan Yin acquired funding and supervised the project. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgements We are immensely grateful to all the incredible individuals who volunteered their assistance with this study. Declarations of Interest Statement The research methodologies employed were strictly in line with the stipulations of the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as well as all pertinent amendments in force during the investigative period. Explicit consent was procured from all study participants. The research initiative was duly sanctioned and is currently under the continuous scrutiny of the Research Ethics Committee affiliated with the author’s institution.During the preparation of this work the authors used Kimi ai in order to facilitate the drafting and refinement of the manuscript content.. After using this tool, the authors reviewed and edited the content as needed and takes full responsibility for the content of the publication. References Achenbach, T. M. (1966). The classification of children's psychiatric symptoms: A factor-analytic study. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 80 (7), 1–37. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0093906 Achenbach, T. M., Ivanova, M. Y., Rescorla, L. A., Turner, L. V., & Althoff, R. R. (2016). Internalizing/Externalizing Problems: Review and Recommendations for Clinical and Research Applications. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 55 (8), 647–656. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2016.05.012 Anderson, C. 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Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviews received at journal 11 Apr, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 06 Apr, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 02 Apr, 2026 Editor assigned by journal 31 Mar, 2026 Editor invited by journal 06 Mar, 2026 Submission checks completed at journal 06 Mar, 2026 First submitted to journal 05 Mar, 2026 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-9005873","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":618085442,"identity":"62201bb8-563f-45ae-813c-6d897b74417c","order_by":0,"name":"Hong Yang","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Hunan Normal University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hong","middleName":"","lastName":"Yang","suffix":""},{"id":618085445,"identity":"4ad31b6b-d665-4825-b645-7b17d93e4ed8","order_by":1,"name":"Yi Xu","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Hunan University of Humanities, Science and 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Propositions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9005873/v1/a3f0810104009bc599135df8.png"},{"id":106534403,"identity":"8770cb74-dffb-43d4-aca6-6afe65ff5eac","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-09 15:03:30","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":82860,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel test\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9005873/v1/e1754610acad406593da0a7a.png"},{"id":106724665,"identity":"ea14eacd-a0c8-44bd-afe1-bba848c163d2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-12 18:29:02","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":67841,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJunzi Personality Heterogeneity Profiles(N=2022)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9005873/v1/1878786364347ee063c8a538.png"},{"id":106726489,"identity":"1f9aa819-5edf-492e-9f48-a4806308730c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-12 18:36:17","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":2784305,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9005873/v1/fe298509-d9a7-431e-955a-ba0dccf0ce58.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"The Influence of Junzi Personality on Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among Chinese University Students: A Variable-Centered and Person-Centered Perspective","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eInternalizing and externalizing problems are core indicators of psychological maladjustment, serving as both prodromal symptoms of psychopathology and robust predictors of long-term social impairment (Webber et al., 2012). According to the World Health Organization (2024), one in seven adolescents aged 10\u0026ndash;19 worldwide suffers from a mental disorder, accounting for 15% of the disease burden in this age group, with depressive, anxiety, and behavioral disorders being the leading causes (World Health Organization, 2024). The Blue Book of Mental Health: National Report on the Development of Mental Health in China (2023\u0026ndash;2024) further indicates that depression peaks among individuals aged 18\u0026ndash;24 (Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2025). University students, facing academic competition, peer pressure, and employment uncertainty, are a high-risk cohort for these problems (Gao et al., 2020). Consequent sequelae such as sleep disturbances (Oginni et al., 2026; Liu et al., 2025), academic dysfunction (Kulakow et al., 2024), and elevated suicide risk (Wang, 2024) are all rising, positioning university students\u0026rsquo; internalizing and externalizing problems as a global public-health concern.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe culture\u0026ndash;mind interaction theory posits that personality is shaped not only by biological and psychological factors but also by cultural values and social norms (Markus \u0026amp; Kitayama, 1991). While Western individualism emphasizes the independent self, Confucian culture highlights the relational self, captured in the ideal of \u0026ldquo;round without, square within\u0026rdquo; (Zhou et al., 2023). Confucian classics articulate this through statements such as \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eThe superior man is affable, but not adulatory\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo; \u003cem\u003e(Analects13.23)\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I do not know how a man without trustworthiness is to get on\u0026rdquo; (Analects2.22).\u003c/em\u003e Within this framework, Confucian \u0026ldquo;junzi personality\u0026rdquo; has been operationalized as a five-dimensional construct\u0026mdash;wisdom\u0026ndash;benevolence\u0026ndash;courage, reverence and propriety, righteousness and virtue, knowing what not to do, and self-restraint without contention (Ge et al., 2021). It reflects a moralized self cultivated through inner reflection and persistent learning (Huang \u0026amp; Wang, 2013). Empirically, junzi personality has been shown to predict mental health via self-control and authenticity (Ge \u0026amp; Hou, 2021), promote positive empathy through emotion regulation (Wang et al., 2025), and enhance self-transcendence through connectedness to nature (Zhu et al., 2025). Thus, junzi personality constitutes an indigenous protective factor for university students\u0026rsquo; mental health in Chinese cultural contexts.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNevertheless, prior research has predominantly relied on Western personality frameworks, such as the Big Five, to examine the relationship between personality and internalizing/externalizing problems. For instance, higher levels of conscientiousness and agreeableness have been shown to significantly mitigate such problems (Si, 2017), and personality indirectly predicts depression through perceived stress (Zheng et al., 2023). While these findings highlight the link between personality and individual emotional outcomes, they tend to overlook the profound influence of culture on patterns of self-collective interaction. Within the context of Chinese Confucian culture, when individuals internalize virtues such as benevolence (ren), righteousness (yi), propriety (li), wisdom (zhi), and trustworthiness (xin) as personal standards, can Junzi personality reduce internalizing and externalizing problems by enhancing interpersonal harmony? This question remains unresolved.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTherefore, grounded in the context of Chinese Confucianism and drawing upon classical Confucian propositions as a theoretical framework, this study integrates contemporary psychological empirical methods to investigate the impact of Junzi personality and its heterogeneity on internalizing and externalizing problems. The findings aim to provide theoretical guidance and empirical evidence for fostering positive personality development and enhancing mental health among university students.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec2\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e1.1 Junzi Personality and Internalizing-Externalizing Problems\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eInternalizing problems are characterized by internally directed psychological distress, manifesting as covert emotional and cognitive symptoms such as depression and anxiety (Achenbach et al., 1966; Feng et al., 2023;Liu et al., 2016). Persistent internalizing problems may develop into severe psychological disorders and negatively impact academic, career, and social functioning (Webber et al., 2012). Externalizing problems refer to externally directed maladaptive behaviors, typically represented by overt conduct such as aggression that violates social norms (Achenbach et al., 2016).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn Confucian discourse, the Junzi personality embodies the ideal character paradigm. Confucius articulated the path of Junzi self-cultivation through three dimensions: \u003cem\u003eThe Master said, \u0026lsquo;The way of the superior man is threefold, but I am not equal to it. Virtuous, he is free from anxieties; wise, he is free from perplexities; bold, he is free from fear.\u0026rsquo; Tze-kung said, \u0026lsquo;Master, that is what you yourself say.\u0026rsquo;\u0026rdquo; (Analects 14.28)\u003c/em\u003e. This implies that individuals with Junzi personality experience less confusion, worry, and fear, while worry and anxiety fall under internalizing emotional issues. Empirical studies show that personality significantly negatively predicts internalizing problems (Li et al., 2008). Hence, a hypothesis is proposed: Junzi personality negatively predicts internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) among university students.Mencius stated, \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eren\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo; (benevolence) constitutes the core concept, whose essential nature is \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003ethe benevolent loves others.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo; Mencius said: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;That whereby the superior man is distinguished from other men is what he preserves in his heart\u0026mdash;namely, benevolence and propriety. The benevolent man loves others. The man of propriety shows respect to others. He who loves others is constantly loved by them. He who respects others is constantly respected by them.\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo;(\u003cem\u003eMencius 28\u003c/em\u003e). A mind grounded in \u0026ldquo;benevolence\u0026rdquo; leads the Junzi to engage in altruistic actions. Empirical research indicates that low agreeableness is linked to externalizing problems, which contrasts with the benevolence and altruism central to Junzi personality (Wang, 2021; Xie et al., 2016; Ge et al., 2021). Thus, Junzi personality negatively predicts externalizing problems (aggressive behaviors) among university students.In summary, \u003cb\u003eHypothesis H1 is proposed: Junzi personality negatively predicts both internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behaviors) among university students.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e1.2 The mediating role of subjective happiness\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMencius proposed: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;The superior man has three things in which he delights, and to be ruler over the empire is not one of them. That his father and mother are both alive, and that the condition of his brothers affords no cause for anxiety\u0026mdash;this is one delight. That, when looking up, he has no occasion for shame before Heaven, and, below, he has no occasion to blush before men\u0026mdash;this is the second delight. That he can get from the whole empire the most talented individuals, and teach and nourish them\u0026mdash;this is the third delight.\u0026rdquo; (Mencius 20).\u003c/em\u003e This intrinsic spiritual joy aligns with the psychological concept of subjective happiness, which is a comprehensive evaluation of life satisfaction and a positive emotional state (Diener et al., 1999). Empirical studies show that higher levels of Junzi personality are associated with greater subjective happiness (Zhao \u0026amp; Zhang, 2025; Ge, 2021). Accordingly, it is hypothesized that Junzi personality positively predicts subjective happiness among university students.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Duke of Sheh asked T sze-lu about Confucius, and T sze-lu did not answer him. The Master said, \u0026ldquo;Why did you not say to him,\u0026mdash; He is simply a man, who in his eager pursuit (of knowledge) forgets his food, who in the joy of its attainment forgets his sorrows, and who does not perceive that old age is coming on?\u0026rdquo; (Analects 7.19).\u003c/em\u003e This state of \"forgetting sorrows in joy\" indicates that such profound happiness can reduce internal negative emotions like depression and anxiety. Empirical research demonstrates that subjective happiness negatively predicts internalizing problems such as anxiety and depressive symptoms (Yu, 2023). Therefore, it is hypothesized that subjective happiness has a negative effect on internalizing problems (anxiety, depression).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe principle of \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;enjoyment without being licentious, and of grief without being hurtfully excessive\u0026rdquo; (Analects 3.20)\u003c/em\u003e emphasizes emotional moderation. Since aggressive behavior, a typical externalizing problem, often stems from failures in emotion regulation or impulse control (Anderson, 2002), balanced subjective happiness can reduce such behaviors by adhering to this principle. Empirical evidence indicates that subjective happiness negatively predicts aggressive behavior (Liu, 2023). Thus, it is hypothesized that subjective happiness has a negative effect on externalizing problems (aggressive behavior).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn summary, higher Junzi personality is associated with greater subjective happiness, which in turn reduces both internalizing and externalizing problems. Consequently, \u003cb\u003eHypothesis H2 is proposed: Subjective happiness mediates the relationship between Junzi personality and internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior) among university students.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e1.3 The mediating role of interpersonal trust\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eTze-hsia said, \u0026ldquo;If a man withdraws his mind from the love of beauty, and applies it as sincerely to the love of the virtuous; if, in serving his parents, he can exert his utmost strength; if, in serving his prince, he can devote his life; if, in his intercourse with his friends, his words are sincere:\u0026mdash;although men say that he has not learned, I will certainly say that he has.\u0026rdquo; (Analects 1.7).\u003c/em\u003e This underscores that a hallmark of Junzi's moral cultivation is sincerity and trustworthiness in friendship. In psychology, interpersonal trust refers to positive expectations and beliefs towards others in social interactions (Yang \u0026amp; Peng, 1999). While direct empirical studies linking Junzi personality to interpersonal trust are limited, research shows that the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) negatively predicts interpersonal trust (Yang et al., 2021; Bertl et al., 2017). In contrast, the Junzi personality, rooted in benevolence (ren), is likely to foster greater harmony and trust. Accordingly, it is hypothesized that Junzi personality positively predicts interpersonal trust among university students.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Master said, \u0026ldquo;I will not be afflicted at men\u0026rsquo;s not knowing me; I will be afflicted that I do not know men.\u0026rdquo; (Analects 1.16)\u003c/em\u003e. Confucius regarded trustworthiness as fundamental to friendship. In this Confucian context, trust serves not only as a lubricant for interpersonal harmony but also as intrinsic to the Junzi\u0026rsquo;s self-cultivation: by extending trust, one fosters reciprocal trust, reducing suspicion and emotional exhaustion. It follows that individuals with high interpersonal trust gain emotional support, which buffers against internalizing distress such as anxiety and depression, while also reducing excessive concern about others\u0026rsquo; evaluations. Empirical studies have shown that social anxiety is significantly negatively correlated with online interpersonal trust (Zhao et al., 2021; Jin et al., 2017), and interpersonal trust significantly negatively predicts depressive tendencies (Chen, 2023). Accordingly, it is hypothesized that interpersonal trust negatively predicts internalizing problems (anxiety, depression).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Master said, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;The superior man is affable, but not adulatory; the mean man is adulatory, but not affable.\u0026rdquo; (Analects 13.23).\u003c/em\u003e The Junzi maintains harmony while respecting differences. Consequently, individuals with higher interpersonal trust are more likely to engage in behaviors conducive to social harmony and exhibit fewer externalizing problems, such as aggression. Empirical research indicates that interpersonal trust significantly enhances prosocial behavior (Chen \u0026amp; An, 2019; Ma \u0026amp; Huang, 2022) and negatively predicts aggression (Zhang et al., 2023). Accordingly, it is hypothesized that interpersonal trust negatively predicts externalizing problems (aggressive behavior).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn summary, higher levels of Junzi personality are associated with greater interpersonal trust, which in turn reduces both internalizing and externalizing problems. Consequently, the following mediation hypotheses are proposed:\u003cb\u003eHypothesis H3: Interpersonal trust mediates the relationship between Junzi personality and both internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior) among university students.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e1.4 The chain mediating role of subjective happiness and interpersonal trust\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Master said,\u0026ldquo;Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application?\u0026ldquo;Is it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters? \u0026ldquo;Is he not a man of complete virtue, who feels no discomposure though men may take no note of him?\u0026rdquo;(Analects 1.1).\u003c/em\u003e Confucius begins the \u003cem\u003eAnalects\u003c/em\u003eby noting that the joy of the Junzi stems from learning\u0026mdash;is it not a joy to study and regularly review what has been learned? He then adds, is it not also a delight to have friends visit from afar? Not becoming angry or resentful over others' lack of understanding is precisely the mark of a cultivated Junzi. Thus, it can be seen that the cultivation of the Junzi first arises from learning, beginning with the attainment of personal happiness, followed by the establishment of positive interpersonal relationships, which in turn further enhances the Junzi\u0026rsquo;s character\u0026mdash;this, too, is a great joy. It is worth emphasizing, however, that the joy derived from learning precedes the joy of having friends; the happiness gained through self-improvement enables the joy of interacting with friends and establishing trust-based relationships, which ultimately contributes to harmony in society. This precisely illustrates that subjective happiness must first be attained before trust in interpersonal relationships can be built. It follows that individuals with a high level of Junzi personality enhance their subjective happiness through the \u0026ldquo;three joys\u0026rdquo; of the Junzi: the joy of family, the joy of morality, and the joy of education. Among these, the intrinsic happiness gained through learning facilitates the establishment of better interpersonal relationships, and as harmony and trust in these relationships increase, internal anxiety and depression, as well as external aggressive behaviors, correspondingly decrease. Previous research has confirmed, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, the predictive role of interpersonal trust in subjective happiness (Zhong et al., 2024; Bi et al., 2025), indicating a positive correlation between interpersonal trust and subjective happiness. Importantly, in a longitudinal meta-analysis, the predictive relationship between interpersonal trust and subjective happiness is not unidirectional; subjective happiness also functions as an antecedent, and the two reinforce each other (Bi et al., 2025). Combining this with the progression from the joy of learning to the joy of having friends, \u003cb\u003eHypothesis H4 is proposed: Subjective happiness and interpersonal trust play a chain-mediating role in the relationship between Junzi personality and internalizing-externalizing problems.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e1.5 The Heterogeneity of Junzi Personality and Internalizing-Externalizing Problems\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt is noteworthy that the Junzi personality is not a singular, homogeneous construct, but rather exhibits significant heterogeneity across populations. According to Confucian personality theory, the Junzi (the superior man) and the Xiaoren (the mean man) are opposing archetypes that are also understood to be capable of mutual transformation. The evolution from an ideal personality to a realized one involves varying degrees of differentiation, giving rise to diverse manifestations such as the benevolent person, the wise person, and the courageous person(Lin et al., 2025). Empirical studies have also revealed distinct interpersonal differences between the Junzi and the rigidly principled person. While the Junzi is characterized by external flexibility and internal integrity\u0026mdash;adhering to principles while skillfully navigating social relations\u0026mdash;the rigidly principled person demonstrates internal integrity but lacks external adaptability, resulting in principled yet inflexible conduct (Zhou et al., 2023). Furthermore, some scholars have classified the Junzi personality into three types: the Zhongxingzhe (balanced person), the Kuangzhe (bold enthusiast), and the Juanzhe (cautious abstainer), finding significant differences among them in terms of awe (Lin et al., 2025). Other researchers have proposed categories such as the balanced moderate, the virtuous gentleman, and the talented but unprincipled, revealing that the virtuous gentleman displays the highest degree of openness to dissenting views, significantly surpassing the other two types (Yin \u0026amp; Yue, 2025). These studies provide an important foundation for deepening the theoretical understanding of the Junzi personality and expanding its empirical application.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHowever, influenced by historical development and multicultural interaction, it is difficult to expect modern individuals to adhere to Confucian values in the same way as people in traditional Chinese society did (Du \u0026amp; Duan, 2019). This is particularly true for university students, who are undergoing dramatic physical and psychological changes as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Their values and personality remain in a dynamic and formative stage, not yet fully stabilized (Marshall et al., 2024; Rebecca et al., 2016). Moreover, Confucius lamented: \u003cem\u003eSince I cannot get men pursuing the due medium, to whom I might communicate my instructions, must find the ardent and the cautiously-decided. The ardent will advance and lay hold of truth; the cautiously-decided will keep themselves from what is wrong. (Analects 13.21)\u003c/em\u003e. He also sighed: \u003cem\u003ePerfect is the virtue which is according to the Mean! Rare have they long been among the people, who could practice it. (Doctrine of the Mean.3)\u003c/em\u003e, indicating that the Mean (Zhongyong) represents a highly elevated and difficult-to-sustain moral state within the Junzi personality. Empirical research similarly suggests that the state of the Mean in the Junzi personality is often associated with stable personality structures and rich life experience (Ge, 2021; Yang, 2014). As university students generally possess limited life experience and have not yet reached full personality maturity, they may find it challenging to attain this ideal state. Furthermore, in the current context where mindsets such as \u0026ldquo;Buddha-like\u0026rdquo; indifference\u0026ldquo;lying flat\u0026rdquo; are emerging, there is an even greater need for university students to pursue positive development and strive toward ideals. Therefore, the Junzi personality among contemporary university students may exhibit a more diverse structural profile than traditional typologies suggest. To further reveal the internal variations in the Junzi personality among university students, this study proposes \u003cb\u003eHypothesis 5: The Junzi personality among university students is heterogeneous, meaning that multiple distinct profiles of the Junzi personality exist within this population.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlthough previous studies have preliminarily explored the relationships between Junzi personality and positive variables such as self-control, prosocial behavior, cultural identity, positive empathy, and mental health using variable-centered approaches (Ge \u0026amp; Hou, 2021; Wang, 2025; Zhu et al., 2025), no research has yet systematically examined the social adaptation function of Junzi personality from the perspective of internalizing and externalizing problems. Moreover, classical Confucian texts describe different personality types such as the due medium (zhongxingzhe), the ardent (kuangzhe), the cautiously-decided (juanzhe), and the village careful people (xiangyuan), noting that \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003ethe ardent will advance and lay hold of truth\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003ethe cautiously-decided will keep themselves from what is wrong\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eYour good, careful people of the villages are the thieves of virtue\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo;(\u003cem\u003eAnalects 17.13\u003c/em\u003e). This suggests heterogeneity within Junzi personality, with different personality types exhibiting distinct characteristics and behavioral tendencies, which may further influence their mental health. To thoroughly examine this perspective and investigate the specific manifestations of different Junzi personality types in the mental health adaptation of contemporary university students, it is necessary to employ methods capable of effectively identifying heterogeneous group structures.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study applies Latent Profile Analysis to classify and estimate parameters for heterogeneous groups of Junzi personality based on participants\u0026rsquo; response patterns to Junzi personality in Confucian Questionnaire. Linear regression analysis is further used to examine differences among different latent profiles in internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior). Accordingly, the following research hypotheses are proposed:\u003cb\u003eHypothesis 6: There are significant differences in the levels of internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior) among university students with different Junzi personality profiles.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e1.6 The current study\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBased on the above literature review, this study investigates the relationship between Junzi personality and internalizing-externalizing problems among university students \u003cb\u003e(see\u003c/b\u003e Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cb\u003eprovided as a separate file)\u003c/b\u003e. The following hypotheses are proposed:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eH1\u003c/b\u003e: Junzi personality negatively predicts internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eH2\u003c/b\u003e: Subjective happiness mediates the relationship between Junzi personality and internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eH3\u003c/b\u003e: Interpersonal trust mediates the relationship between Junzi personality and internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eH4\u003c/b\u003e: Subjective happiness and interpersonal trust play a chain-mediating role in the relationship between Junzi personalityproblems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eH5\u003c/b\u003e:There are distinct latent profiles of Junzi personality among university students.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eH6\u003c/b\u003e: There are significant differences in the levels of internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior) among university students with different Junzi personality profiles.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"2 Method","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1 Participants\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e This study was approved by the ethics committee of the university to which the first author is affiliated. Using random cluster sampling, recruitment notices were distributed in September 2025 through the academic administration systems of two comprehensive universities (undergraduate programs) in East China. A total of 2,300 full-time undergraduate students ultimately participated in the assessment. The inclusion criteria were: age 18\u0026ndash;22 years; currently enrolled as a full-time freshman to senior; no history of severe physical or mental illness; and no participation in similar psychological assessments in the past three months. The exclusion criteria were: inability to complete the paper-based questionnaire independently; failure to sign the electronic informed consent form; completion time less than one-third of the average duration or consecutive identical responses for more than 90% of the items. After online screening and data cleaning, 278 invalid questionnaires were excluded, resulting in 2,022 valid samples and an effective response rate of 87.9%. Among the participants, 827 (40.9%) were male and 1,195 (59.1%) were female, aged 18\u0026ndash;22 years (\u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;18.59, \u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.59). The sample included 1,263 freshmen (62.46%), 400 sophomores (19.78%), and 359 juniors (17.54%). All participants provided informed consent before proceeding to the formal assessment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2 Measures\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.1 Junzi Personality in Confucian Thought Scale\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunzi personality was measured using the \u003cem\u003eJunzi Personality in Confucian Thought Scale\u003c/em\u003edeveloped by Ge et al. (2021). The scale consists of 30 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale, with 1 indicating \u0026ldquo;strongly disagree\u0026rdquo; and 7 indicating \u0026ldquo;strongly agree\u0026rdquo;. It includes five dimensions: Wisdom, Benevolence, and Courage (\u003cem\u003ezhi ren yong\u003c/em\u003e), Respectfulness and Ritual Propriety (\u003cem\u003egong er you li\u003c/em\u003e), Emphasizing Righteousness and Cultivating Virtue (\u003cem\u003eyu yi huai de\u003c/em\u003e), Refraining from Improper Actions (\u003cem\u003eyou suo bu wei\u003c/em\u003e), and Self-Restraint and Non-Contention (\u003cem\u003echi ji wu zheng\u003c/em\u003e). Among these, the Refraining from Improper Actions dimension is reverse-scored. A sample item is: \u0026ldquo;I am dignified and self-respecting, possessing a certain degree of prestige within the group I belong to.\u0026rdquo; Higher total scores indicate a higher level of Junzi personality (Ge et al., 2021). In this study, the Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s α coefficients for the five dimensions were 0.80, 0.80, 0.77, 0.66, and 0.81, respectively. The overall Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s α for the scale was 0.90.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.2 Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)​\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDepression was measured using the \u003cem\u003ePatient Health Questionnaire-9\u003c/em\u003e(Kroenke \u0026amp; Williams, 2001). The scale comprises 9 items rated on a 4-point scale ranging from 0 (\u0026ldquo;not at all\u0026rdquo;) to 3 (\u0026ldquo;nearly every day\u0026rdquo;). Scores of 0\u0026ndash;4 indicate no symptoms, 5\u0026ndash;9 indicate possible mild depressive symptoms, 10\u0026ndash;14 indicate possible moderate depressive symptoms, and scores of 15 or above indicate possible severe depressive symptoms. A sample item is: \u0026ldquo;Little interest or pleasure in doing things.\u0026rdquo; The total score is the sum of all items, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms. In this study, the Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s α coefficient for this scale was 0.76.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.3 Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)​\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnxiety was measured using the \u003cem\u003eGeneralized Anxiety Disorder-7\u003c/em\u003e(Spitzer et al., 2006). The scale includes 7 items rated on a 4-point scale from 0 (\u0026ldquo;not at all\u0026rdquo;) to 3 (\u0026ldquo;nearly every day\u0026rdquo;). The total score is the sum of all items, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety symptoms. Scores of 0\u0026ndash;4 indicate no symptoms, 5\u0026ndash;9 indicate possible mild anxiety, 10\u0026ndash;14 indicate possible moderate anxiety, and 15\u0026ndash;21 indicate possible severe anxiety. A sample item is: \u0026ldquo;Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge.\u0026rdquo; In this study, the Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s α coefficient for this scale was 0.87.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.4 Brief Aggression Questionnaire (BAQ)​\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAggressive behavior was measured using the Chinese version of the \u003cem\u003eBrief Aggression Questionnaire\u003c/em\u003e, originally developed by Webster et al. (2014) and revised by Shi et al. (2025). The scale consists of 12 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale, with 1 indicating \u0026ldquo;strongly disagree\u0026rdquo; and 5 indicating \u0026ldquo;strongly agree\u0026rdquo;. It includes four subscales: Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression, Anger, and Hostility. A sample item is: \u0026ldquo;If sufficiently provoked, I might hit someone.\u0026rdquo; The scores of all items are summed, with higher scores indicating higher levels of aggressive behavior. In this study, the Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s α coefficients for the four subscales were 0.79, 0.66, 0.72, and 0.66, respectively. The overall Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s α for the scale was 0.79.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.5 Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS)​\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSubjective happiness was measured using the \u003cem\u003eSubjective Happiness Scale\u003c/em\u003edeveloped by Lyubomirsky et al. (1999). The scale comprises 4 items rated on a 7-point scale, with higher scores indicating higher levels of subjective happiness. The fourth item is reverse-scored. A sample item is: \u0026ldquo;In general, do you consider yourself a happy person?\u0026rdquo; In this study, the Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s α coefficient for this scale was 0.74.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.6 Interpersonal Trust Scale (ITS)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eInterpersonal trust was measured using the \u003cem\u003eInterpersonal Trust Scale\u003c/em\u003edeveloped by Rotter et al. (1967). The scale consists of 25 items rated on a 5-point scale. Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 19, and 24 are reverse-scored. The total score is the sum of all items, with higher scores indicating higher levels of interpersonal trust. A sample item is: \u0026ldquo;In our society, hypocrisy is becoming increasingly common.\u0026rdquo; In this study, the Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s α coefficient for this scale was 0.74.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3 Data analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study used SPSS 26.0 for data analysis. The SPSS Process macro developed by Hayes (2017) was employed to test the chain mediation model and conduct bootstrap analysis. Subsequently, Mplus 8.4 was used to perform latent profile analysis (LPA), and the full information maximum likelihood (FIML) method was applied to handle missing data(Wang \u0026amp; Bi, 2018). Finally, the BCH method (Bose\u0026ndash;Chaudhuri\u0026ndash;Hocquenghem method) was utilized to further examine the impact of the latent profiles on internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3 Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Control and verification of common method variance\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Harman\u0026rsquo;s single-factor test was employed to examine the two-wave data for potential common method bias (Zhou \u0026amp; Long, 2004). The results of the unrotated principal component factor analysis indicated the presence of 21 common factors with eigenvalues greater than 1. Among these, the first factor accounted for 12.75% of the variance. Since this value is below the critical threshold of 40%, the data in this study do not exhibit severe common method bias. Full information maximum likelihood estimation was used for data analysis.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2 Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter controlling for gender and grade, the results indicated that Junzi personality was significantly positively correlated with subjective happiness and interpersonal trust (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), and significantly negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Subjective happiness was significantly positively correlated with Junzi personality and interpersonal trust (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), and significantly negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Interpersonal trust was significantly positively correlated with Junzi personality and subjective happiness (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), and significantly negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Additionally, anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior were all significantly positively correlated with each other, but not with Junzi personality, subjective happiness, or interpersonal trust (\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Specific correlation coefficients are detailed in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDescriptive statistics and correlation analysis results (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2022)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"11\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003evariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.Gender\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.Age\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.\u003cb\u003eJunzi Personality\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e146.87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.23***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.31***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.21***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.Subjective Happiness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.29***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.38***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.33***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.19***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.Interpersonal Trust\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e74.82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.81\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.08**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.29***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.28***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.31***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.15***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.\u003cb\u003eAnxiety\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.23***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.38***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.28***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.60***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.09***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.\u003cb\u003eDepression\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.31***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.33***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.31***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.60***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.\u003cb\u003eAggressive Behavior\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.21***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.19***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.15***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.09***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"11\"\u003eNote: \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05, \u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01, \u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3 Moderated chain mediating effect test\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAll variables were standardized, and the unmoderated chain mediation effect was first tested using Model 6 in the SPSS PROCESS macro. Additionally, while controlling for gender and grade, Junzi personality, subjective happiness, interpersonal trust, anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior were sequentially included in the regression equations to construct a chain mediation model. The results are as follows (see Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegression Analysis of Different Chain Mediation Models (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2022)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003epredictive variable:\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJunzi Personality\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSubjective Happiness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInterpersonal Trust\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eR\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eoutcome variable:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSubjective Happiness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.11***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82.15***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95%\u003cem\u003eCI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.03,0.13)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.06,0.04)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.29,0.37)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eoutcome variabl:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInterpersonal Trust\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.08***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.20***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89.55***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95%\u003cem\u003eCI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.05,0.21)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.08,0.02)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.12,-0.04)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.16,0.25)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eoutcome variable: \u003cb\u003eAnxiety\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.11**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.08***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.31***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.17***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.18***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91.42***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95%\u003cem\u003eCI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.03,0.19)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.08,0.01)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.12,-0.04)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.35,-0.27)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.21,-0.12)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eoutcome variable:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSubjective Happiness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.11***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82.15***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95%\u003cem\u003eCI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.03,0.13)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.06,0.04)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.28,0.40)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eoutcome variabl:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInterpersonal Trust\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.26***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.20 ***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89.55***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95%\u003cem\u003eCI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.05,0.21)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.08,0.02)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.22.0.30)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.16.0.25)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eoutcome variable: \u003cb\u003eDepression\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.17***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.22***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.19***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.18***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91.07***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95%\u003cem\u003eCI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.06,0.10)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.05,0.04)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.21,-0.13)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.27,-0.18)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.23,-0.15)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eoutcome variable:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSubjective Happiness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.11***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82.15***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95%\u003cem\u003eCI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.03, 0.13)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.06,0.04)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.29,0.37)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eoutcome variabl:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInterpersonal Trust\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.13**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.26***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.20***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89.55***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95%\u003cem\u003eCI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.05,0.21)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.08,0.02)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.22,0.30)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(0.16,0.25)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eoutcome variable:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAggressive\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBehavior\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.12***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.07**\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.69***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95%\u003cem\u003eCI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.04, 0.14)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.03, 0.08)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.20,-0.11)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.16,-0.07)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e(-0.12,-0.03)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eNote: \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05, \u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01, \u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, Junzi personality negatively predicted anxiety (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.08, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3.55, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.12, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.04]). Subjective happiness positively predicted interpersonal trust (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.20, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;9.34, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [0.16, 0.25]) and negatively predicted anxiety (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.31, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;14.91, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.35, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.27]), while interpersonal trust negatively predicted anxiety (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.17, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;7.64, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.21, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.12]). Junzi personality negatively predicted depression (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.17, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;7.66, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.21, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.13]). Subjective happiness positively predicted interpersonal trust (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.20, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;9.34, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [0.16, 0.25]) and negatively predicted depression (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.22, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;10.22, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.27, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.18]), while interpersonal trust negatively predicted depression (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.19, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;8.71, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.23, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.15]). Junzi personality negatively predicted aggressive behavior (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.15, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;6.43, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.20, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.11]). Subjective happiness positively predicted interpersonal trust (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.20, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;9.34, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [0.16, 0.25]) and negatively predicted aggressive behavior (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.12, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;5.11, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.16, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.07]), while interpersonal trust negatively predicted aggressive behavior (\u003cem\u003eβ\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.07, \u003cem\u003et\u003c/em\u003e = \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;3.04, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.12, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.03]). Thus, \u003cb\u003eHypothesis 1 was supported.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.4 Bootstrap Test for Mediating Variables\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eModel 6 in the SPSS PROCESS macro was used to test the chain mediation effect, with 5,000 bootstrap resamples conducted. The bootstrap analysis of the mediating effects for each model is presented in Supplementary Table\u0026nbsp;3 and Fig.\u0026nbsp;2.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBootstrap Analysis of Mediating Effects in Each Model\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMode\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePath\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndirect\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eeffect size\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003esize\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBootstrapSE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95%\u003cem\u003eCI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBoot\u003cem\u003eCI\u003c/em\u003e lower\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBoot\u003cem\u003eCI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eupper\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eModel1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunzi Personality\u0026mdash;Subjective Happiness\u0026mdash;Anxiety\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.67%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunzi Personality\u0026mdash;Interpersonal Trust\u0026mdash;Anxiety\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.66%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunzi Personality\u0026mdash;Subjective Happiness\u0026mdash;Interpersonal Trust\u0026mdash;Anxiety\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.67%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal indirect effect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65.22%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDirect effect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34.78%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal effect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e模\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMode2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunzi Personality\u0026mdash;Subjective Happiness\u0026mdash;Depression\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53.85%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunzi Personality\u0026mdash;Interpersonal Trust\u0026mdash;Depression\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.46%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunzi Personality\u0026mdash;Subjective Happiness\u0026mdash;Interpersonal Trust\u0026mdash;Depression\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.69%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal indirect effect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.33%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDirect effect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.67%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal effect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e模Mode3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunzi Personality\u0026mdash;Subjective Happinesst\u0026mdash;Aggressive Behavior\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.67%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunzi Personality\u0026mdash;Interpersonal Trust\u0026mdash;Aggressive Behavior\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.67%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunzi Personality\u0026mdash;Subjective Happiness\u0026mdash;Interpersonal Trust\u0026mdash;Aggressive Behavior\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.67%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal indirect effect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.57%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDirect effect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71.43%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal effect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-0.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003eNote: \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05, \u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01, \u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn Models 1\u0026ndash;3, the indirect effect of Junzi personality on anxiety through subjective happiness was \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.10, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.12, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.08]; the indirect effect on depression through subjective happiness was \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.07, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.09, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.06]; and the indirect effect on aggressive behavior through subjective happiness was \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.04, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.06, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.02]. \u003cb\u003eThese results support Hypothesis 2\u003c/b\u003e. The indirect effect of Junzi personality on anxiety through interpersonal trust was \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.04, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.06, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.03]; the indirect effect on depression through interpersonal trust was \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.05, \u003cem\u003e95% C\u003c/em\u003eI [\u0026ndash;0.06, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.04]; and the indirect effect on aggressive behavior through interpersonal trust was \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.01, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.03, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.01]. \u003cb\u003eThese results support Hypothesis 3.\u003c/b\u003e The chain mediation effect of subjective happiness and interpersonal trust between Junzi personality and anxiety was \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.01, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.02, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.01]; between Junzi personality and depression was \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.01, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.02, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.01]; and between Junzi personality and aggressive behavior was \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.01, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.01, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.00]. \u003cb\u003eThese results support Hypothesis 4\u003c/b\u003e. Specifically, the total indirect effect in Model 1 was \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.15, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.18, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.13], accounting for 65.22% of the total effect; in Model 2 it was \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.13, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.16, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.11], accounting for 43.33% of the total effect; and in Model 3 it was \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.06, \u003cem\u003e95% CI\u003c/em\u003e [\u0026ndash;0.08, \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0.05], accounting for 28.57% of the total effect.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.5 Heterogeneity of the Junzi Personality and Its Relationship with Internalizing and Externalizing Problems\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFit Indices for the Latent Profile Analysis of Junzi Personality\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAIC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBIC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eaBIC*\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEntropy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLMR-LRT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eaLMR-LRT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBLRT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e181058.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e181395.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e181204.72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e171349.77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e171860.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e171571.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49.21%/50.79%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e3\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e168706.46\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e169391.11\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e169003.51\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e0.88\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ep\u003c/b\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e27%/44.61%/28.39%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e167889.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e168748.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e168262.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.77%/33.09%/\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.82%/16.32%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e167206.64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e168239.22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e167654.64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.276\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.274\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.72%/28.34%/20.03%\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.71%/17.21%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eNote: \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05, \u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01, \u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e presents the model fit indices for the potential profiles of Junzi personality. First, regarding the fit indices, as the number of classes increased, the values of AIC, BIC, and aBIC* consistently decreased, indicating that the 5-class model was superior to the 4-class, the 4-class superior to the 3-class, the 3-class superior to the 2-class, and the 2-class superior to the 1-class model. Second, the Lo-Mendell-Rubin likelihood ratio test (LMR-LRT) and its adjusted version (aLMR-LRT) both reached statistical significance (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), and the Bootstrap likelihood ratio test (BLRT) was also significant, suggesting that the k-class model was significantly better than the k-1 class model. However, the LMR-LRT and aLMR-LRT for the 5-class model were not significant (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.28, 0.27), which aligns with the common criterion of \u0026ldquo;stopping when the k-class test is non-significant\u0026rdquo;leading to the exclusion of the 5-class model. Furthermore, the 3-class model achieved an Entropy value of 0.88, higher than the 0.84 for the 4-class and 0.83 for the 5-class models, indicating the best classification accuracy. Additionally, the smallest latent class proportion in the 4-class model was 16.32%, approaching the critical threshold of 10%, whereas the class proportions in the 3-class model were 27%, 44.61%, and 28.39%, respectively, demonstrating a more balanced and reasonable distribution. Therefore, the 3-class model was selected as the optimal model for this study.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage Probabilities of Profile Membership for the three Subgroups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSubgroup\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e%\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProfile 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProfile 2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProfile 3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSubgroup 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e546\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.952\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.048\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSubgroup 2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e902\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.61%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.028\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.935\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.037\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSubgroup 3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e574\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.39%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.053\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.947\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003eNote: \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05, \u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01, \u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs shown in the probability matrix in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, the results indicate that members of each category are primarily concentrated along the diagonal, suggesting a high classification reliability. The latent profile analysis results support \u003cb\u003eHypothesis 5, confirming the heterogeneity of the Junzi personality among university students, meaning that multiple distinct profiles of the Junzi personality exist in this population.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Junzi\u0026rsquo;s cultivation begins with self-establishment and is fulfilled in bringing peace to others (Analects 14.43). Based on this \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eself-cultivation and giving rest to others\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo; framework, this study identifies three distinct Junzi personality profiles \u003cb\u003e(see\u003c/b\u003e Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cb\u003eprovided as a separate file).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eThe Self-Establishing Type (Beginning Stage, n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;546, 27%)​\u003c/b\u003eThis group exhibits the lowest scores across all five dimensions. Lowest performance appears on items 13, 14, and 26 (\u0026ldquo;I will change my views to please others\u0026rdquo;; \u0026ldquo;I feel happy when someone uses improper methods to please me\u0026rdquo;; \u0026ldquo;If a person speaks well, I consider him/her good\u0026rdquo;), which belong to the \u0026ldquo;Knowing What Not to Do\u0026rdquo; dimension. This indicates clear boundaries and basic moral restraint, representing the foundational stage of Junzi development focused on \u0026ldquo;establishing virtue and cultivating the self\u0026rdquo; (The Great Learning). \u003cb\u003eThe Self-Cultivating Type (Progression Stage, n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;902, 44.61%)​\u003c/b\u003eThe largest group shows significantly higher scores than Group 1 but lower than Group 3. This represents an intermediate developmental level characterized by active self-cultivation through practices such as self-examination (\u0026ldquo;I daily examine myself on three things..\u0026rdquo; Analects 1.4). The educational focus here is enhancing cultivation through practical engagement and preparing for social responsibility.\u003cb\u003eThe Peace-Making Type (Fulfillment Stage, n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;574, 28.39%)\u003c/b\u003e​This most developed group displays the highest overall scores. They excel particularly in items 9 and 12 (\u0026ldquo;I act according to social norms\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;I can get along harmoniously with others\u0026rdquo;) from the \u0026ldquo;Respect and Ritual Propriety\u0026rdquo; dimension. Notably, their scores on items 13, 23, and 26 from the \"Knowing What Not to Do\" dimension decline, suggesting reduced emphasis on restraint as virtue becomes internalized. This profile embodies the Confucian ideal of \u0026ldquo;cultivating the self to give rest to others\u0026rdquo; characterized by social harmony, proactive spirit, and altruistic responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunzi Personality across Three Subgroups: Descriptive Statistics and Comparisons \u003cem\u003e(M\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWisdom- Benevolence-Courage\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelf- Establishing Type\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelf-\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCultivating\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eType\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeace-\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eType\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePost Hoc Tests​\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1vs2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1vs.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2vs.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.87(.66)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.16(.67)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.08(.69)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1227.71\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026lt;3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRespect and Ritual Propriety\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-1.16(.63)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.06(.58)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.01(.54)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1944.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026lt;3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmbracing Righteousness and Cultivating Virtue\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.91(.60)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.13(.67)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.07(.70)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1285.64\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026lt;3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing What Not to Do\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.61(.84)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.04(.89)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.52(.99)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e218.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026lt;3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaintaining Integrity without Strife\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.96(.90)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.29(.76)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.46(.80)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e535.87\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026lt;3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"9\"\u003eNote: \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05, \u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01, \u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e presents the descriptive statistics and results of difference tests for the standardized scores of the five dimensions of Junzi personality across the four groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the different latent profiles of Junzi personality exhibited statistically significant differences in scores across all dimensions: the Wisdom-Benevolence-Courage dimension (\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1227.71, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), Respect and Ritual Propriety dimension (\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1944.17, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), the Embracing Righteousness and Cultivating Virtue dimension (\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1128.72, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), the Knowing What Not to Do dimension (\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;218.23, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), and the Maintaining Integrity without Strife \u003cem\u003e(F\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;535.87, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Post-hoc multiple comparisons (LSD) indicated that across all dimensions, the scores consistently followed the order: The Peace-Making Type\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;The Self-Cultivating Type\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;The Self-Establishing Type, with all pairwise comparisons reaching statistical significance (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). These results further validate the statistical meaningfulness of the four-class model.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThree Subgroups: Internalizing and Externalizing Problems \u003cem\u003e(M\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"10\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnxiety\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelf- Establishing Type\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelf-\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCultivating\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eType\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeace-\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eType\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eη\u0026sup2;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePost Hoc Tests​\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1vs\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1vs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2vs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.24(1.05)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.04(.99)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.29(.88)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41.94\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.040\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026gt;3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.06***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDepression\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.39(.89)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.03(1.00)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.33(.99)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e59.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.056\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026gt;3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.06***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAggressive Behavior\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.25(.94)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.01(1.02)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.26(.97)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.035\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026gt;3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.06***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"10\"\u003eNote: \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05, \u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01, \u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e presents the descriptive statistics and results of difference tests for internalizing and externalizing problems across the four groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences among the personality profiles in anxiety (\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;41.94, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001, \u003cem\u003eη\u0026sup2;\u003c/em\u003e = 0.004), depression (\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;59.58, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001, \u003cem\u003eη\u0026sup2;\u003c/em\u003e = 0.056), and aggressive behavior (\u003cem\u003eF\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;37.08, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001, \u003cem\u003eη\u0026sup2;\u003c/em\u003e = 0.035). Post‑hoc multiple comparisons (LSD) showed that scores on internalizing and externalizing problems followed a decreasing trend across profiles: The Self-Establishing Type\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;The Self-Cultivating Type\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;The Peace-Making Type (1\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;2 \u0026gt; 3). Specifically, the Self‑Establishing Type scored significantly higher than the other types on anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior ( \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), with the highest score observed for depression (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.39, SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.89). The Self-Cultivating Type scored significantly lower than the Peace-Making Type (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) on all three outcome measures. The Peace-Making Type had the lowest scores on anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior, which were significantly lower than those of all other types (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), indicating the fewest internalizing and externalizing problems. Meanwhile, the effect size for depression was the largest (\u003cem\u003eη\u0026sup2;\u003c/em\u003e = 0.056), followed by anxiety, with aggressive behavior being the smallest. This indicates that the Junzi personality profiles have a stronger discriminatory power for internalizing problems than for externalizing problems. Consequently, post hoc multiple comparisons supported Hypothesis 6: There are significant differences in the levels of internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior) among university students with different Junzi personality profiles.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec25\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.1 The Relationship Between Junzi Personality and Internalizing-Externalizing Problems Among university Students\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study found that Junzi personality significantly and negatively predicts both internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior) among university students. This result is consistent with previous research (Li, 2008; Wang, 2021; Ge, 2021) and further validates the positive effects of Junzi personality in the domain of mental health (Ge \u0026amp; Hou, 2021; Xie \u0026amp; Wu, 2024; Ge \u0026amp; Hou, 2020; Ge et al., 2023). Specifically, the Junzi possesses three cardinal virtues: wisdom (zhi), benevolence (ren), and courage (yong). The wise are free from perplexity; the benevolent are free from anxiety; the courageous are free from fear. Individuals with a high level of Junzi personality, who possess a loving heart, naturally experience less confusion, anxiety, and fear, thereby reducing internalizing problems. Concurrently, the benevolent love others. Individuals with a higher level of Junzi personality are more capable of transforming \u0026ldquo;benevolence\u0026rdquo; into prosocial sentiments and a sense of responsibility, making them less likely to engage in actions that harm the collective, thereby reducing externalizing problems such as aggressive behavior.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.2 The Mediating Effect of Subjective Happiness\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBased on the traditional Confucian concept of \u0026ldquo;the joy of the Junzi\u0026rdquo; this study finds that subjective happiness serves as a key psychological mechanism linking Junzi personality to reduced mental health problems. Results show that Junzi personality significantly reduces both internalizing (anxiety, depression) and externalizing (aggressive behavior) problems by enhancing subjective happiness, validating the contemporary relevance of Confucian teachings such as \u0026ldquo;being so joyful that one forgets sorrow\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;being joyful yet not licentious, sorrowful yet not injured\u0026rdquo; (Analects).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirst, subjective happiness mediates the relationship between Junzi personality and internalizing problems, supporting prior research (Zhao et al., 2025; Ge, 2021; Yu, 2023). The wisdom, benevolence, and courage embodied in Junzi personality help individuals derive sustained satisfaction from family, morality, and purpose\u0026mdash;a form of spiritual joy consistent with the Confucian \u0026ldquo;Three Joys\u0026rdquo; and modern subjective happiness. Second, subjective happiness also mediates the relationship between Junzi personality and externalizing problems, consistent with existing findings (Liu, 2023). Junzi personality not only elevates happiness but also encourages balanced emotional expression, as reflected in the Analects: \u0026ldquo;being joyful yet not licentious, sorrowful yet not injured\u0026rdquo;. This moderated happiness helps individuals maintain emotional restraint during conflicts, reducing aggression and other externalizing behaviors resulting from emotional dysregulation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec27\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.3 The Mediating Effect of Interpersonal Trust\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study found that Junzi personality significantly alleviates university students' internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) by enhancing interpersonal trust, supporting prior conclusions that low interpersonal trust is associated with greater anxiety and depression (Zhao et al., 2021; Jin et al., 2017; Chen, 2023). Confucianism emphasizes that \u0026ldquo;in interactions with friends, be trustworthy in speech,\u0026rdquo; positioning trustworthiness as central to the Junzi\u0026rsquo;s moral cultivation. At the personality level, such trustworthiness enables individuals to convey consistent, dependable social signals, rapidly building reputational capital and receiving trust in return. A high-trust environment provides emotional support and psychological security, reduces sensitivity to evaluative threats, and alleviates emotional exhaustion from misunderstanding or isolation, thereby lowering internalizing symptoms. This confirms Confucius\u0026rsquo; teaching: \u0026ldquo;Do not worry that others do not know you; worry that you do not know others.\u0026rdquo; By proactively demonstrating trustworthiness, individuals gain reciprocal trust, thereby dissolving self-focused evaluation anxiety.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, Junzi personality also negatively predicts externalizing problems (aggressive behavior), consistent with previous research (Ma \u0026amp; Huang, 2022; Zhang et al., 2023). Individuals higher in Junzi personality are better able to apply the principle of \u0026ldquo;harmony without uniformity\u0026rdquo; in interactions\u0026mdash;respecting differences while maintaining goodwill. The trust cultivated through this approach inhibits aggression, encourages adherence to group norms, and promotes cooperation over confrontation, thereby reducing externalizing problems. Thus, interpersonal trust acts as a relational relay through which Junzi personality is externalized as prosocial conduct: establishing trust first, fostering harmony, and ultimately lowering the risk of externalizing issues, demonstrating the real-world behavioral restraint inherent in traditional moral cultivation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec28\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.4 The Chain Mediating Effect of Subjective Happiness and Interpersonal Trust\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSubjective happiness and interpersonal trust function as sequential mediators between Junzi personality and mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, aggression). Findings confirm that subjective happiness significantly predicts interpersonal trust (Bi et al., 2025). Junzi personality fosters subjective happiness through the \u0026ldquo;Three Joys\u0026rdquo; (family, morality, learning), which in turn strengthens interpersonal trust, ultimately reducing anxiety, depression, and aggression. Culturally, this happiness aligns with the Confucian principle of \u0026ldquo;loyalty and reciprocity\u0026rdquo; (zhong shu zhi dao), extending beyond personal fulfillment to support positive interpersonal behaviors. By enhancing trust, happiness facilitates sustained social support and a transition from solitary to shared well-being\u0026mdash;embodying the Confucian ideal of \u0026ldquo;self-cultivation \u0026rarr; harmony with others \u0026rarr; collective flourishing\u0026rdquo;. Thus, Junzi personality operates through happiness and trust to mitigate both internalizing and externalizing problems.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec29\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.5 Heterogeneity of the Junzi Personality and Its Relationship with Internalizing and Externalizing Problems\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study adopted a person-centered approach to explore the heterogeneity of the Junzi personality among university students. Latent profile analysis identified three distinct profiles: the Self-Establishing Type (27%), the Self-Cultivating Type (44.61%), and the Peace-Making Type (28.39%). These findings support the existence of heterogeneity in the Junzi personality, consistent with previous research (Lin et al., 2025; Yin \u0026amp; Yue, 2025). University students are in a critical developmental stage characterized by dynamic personality formation and gradual maturation (Marshall et al., 2024; Rebecca et al., 2016), providing a rationale for the emergence of these distinct personality profiles.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe classification follows the internal logic of \u0026ldquo;self-cultivation and giving rest to others\u0026rdquo; and is based on the following considerations. First, it aligns with the objectives of ideological and political education in the new era. General Secretary Xi Jinping\u0026rsquo;s call for aiming high, cultivating virtue, enhancing talent, and embracing responsibility (Xi, 2014) corresponds to the three-stage framework of self-cultivation and extending care to others, offering a concrete pathway for educational practice and evaluation. Second, it addresses the practical concerns of contemporary university students. Phenomena such as \u0026ldquo;Buddha-like\u0026rdquo; indifference and \u0026ldquo;lying flat\u0026rdquo; stem from a lack of autonomy, competence, and a sense of purpose (Qin \u0026amp; Dai, 2022; Ryan \u0026amp; Deci, 2000). The Junzi personality, oriented toward \u0026ldquo;giving rest to others\u0026rdquo; helps inspire students\u0026rsquo; proactive spirit and sense of responsibility (Xu, 2002). Third, it is consistent with China\u0026rsquo;s collectivist cultural values. Chinese culture emphasizes realizing personal value within social relationships, with the highest ideal being \u0026ldquo;inner sagehood and outer kingship\u0026rdquo;. Research indicates that Chinese conceptions of courage, particularly \u0026ldquo;courage of responsibility\u0026rdquo; highlight collectivist values (Cheng \u0026amp; Huang, 2016), aligning with the \u0026ldquo;giving rest to others\u0026rdquo; orientation. Finally, traditional \u0026ldquo;balance way\u0026rdquo; (zhongxing) thought provides cultural support for this classification, as its emphasis on harmony and moral principles resonates with the progressive outward expansion inherent in \u0026ldquo;self-cultivation and giving rest to others\u0026rdquo; (Li, 2022).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunzi personality profiles are significantly linked to levels of internalizing and externalizing problems. Anxiety, depression, and aggression show a clear decreasing trend: Self-Establishing Type\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Self-Cultivating Type\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Peace-Making Type. The Peace-Making Type exhibited the lowest symptom levels, highlighting the systematic association between higher Junzi development and better mental health (Ge, 2021).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis relationship can be interpreted from multiple perspectives. First, Self-Determination Theory suggests that fulfilling needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness\u0026mdash;central to the Peace-Making Type\u0026rsquo;s social contribution\u0026mdash;reduces internalizing distress. Second, Junzi traits such as \u0026ldquo;Knowing What Not to Do\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;Respect and Ritual Propriety\u0026rdquo; inherently inhibit aggression and interpersonal conflict. The developmental path of \u0026ldquo;cultivating oneself to give rest to others\u0026rdquo; (Analects 6.30) provides a value-driven framework for self-transcendence. Finally, this orientation aligns with China\u0026rsquo;s collectivist culture, where realizing value through social contribution offers meaning and support that buffers against both internalizing and externalizing problems, resonating with the integration of personal ideals into national progress.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"5. Implications","content":"\u003cp\u003eBased on the research findings, it is recommended that universities establish a stratified and categorized cultivation system for the Junzi personality, implementing differentiated educational strategies for the three personality types. The focus should be on guiding personality development toward the orientation of \u0026ldquo;bringing peace to others\u0026rdquo;. Resources from traditional culture, such as \u0026ldquo;self-cultivation and giving rest to others\u0026rdquo; should be organically integrated into mental health courses, group counseling sessions, and campus cultural development. Workshops and practical activities centered on the Junzi personality should also be developed.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"6. Limitations and Future Directions","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe conclusions of this study must be considered in light of the following limitations: First, the participants were recruited only from central regions of China. Whether these findings can be generalized to other cultural contexts or demographic groups remains to be determined. Future research could expand the sample scope to enhance external validity. Second, as the data were collected through self-report measures, the results may be susceptible to respondent bias, which could compromise the objectivity of the findings. Future studies could strengthen validity by incorporating multiple sources of information (e.g., peer reports, behavioral observations) to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issues examined. Finally, this study employed a cross-sectional design, which limits inferences regarding causal relationships. Future research could adopt longitudinal or multi-wave designs to better explore the underlying causal mechanisms.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"7. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eUniversity students\u0026rsquo; Junzi personality can directly predict internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior), and also influences such problems through the independent and chain-mediating effects of subjective well-being and interpersonal trust.Furthermore, Junzi personality among university students exhibits heterogeneity and can be categorized into three distinct profiles: Self-Establishment type (27%), Self-Cultivation type (44.61%), and Peace-Making type (28.39%). The impact of Junzi personality profiles on internalizing and externalizing problems differs significantly (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Specifically, the Self-Establishment type shows the highest levels of internalizing and externalizing problems, followed by the Self-Cultivation type, while the Peace-Making type demonstrates the lowest levels. Junzi personality profiles exhibit stronger predictive power for internalizing problems than for externalizing problems.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study involving human participants received ethics approval from the Bioethics Committee for Biomedical Research of Hunan Normal University (Approval No.: Lun Shen Ke 2024, No. 443). All procedures were conducted in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its subsequent amendments, as well as other internationally recognized ethical standards. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to their involvement. The study recruited middle school students in Hunan Province and employed a questionnaire survey to investigate a National General Project: Evolutionary trajectory of adolescent sleep quality in the context of \u0026ldquo;Healthy China\u0026rdquo;(Grant No. BBA220199). The Secondary Unit Bioethics Subcommittee (or the applicant\u0026rsquo;s affiliated college) reviewed the study and affirmed that the experimental design and protocol fully considered safety and fairness, safeguarded participants\u0026apos; rights to informed consent, and confirmed the absence of conflicts of interest between the research content and outcomes. The Ethics Committee granted final approval on September 20, 2024.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study was supported by the National Education Science Planning Project of China, National General Project-Evolutionary trajectory of adolescent sleep quality in the context of \u0026ldquo;Healthy China\u0026rdquo;, influencing factors and coping strategies (Grant No. BBA220199).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026rsquo; contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHong Yang wrote the original draft and developed the methodology. Yi Xu performed data processing and statistical analysis. Huixin Zhou provided resources and technical guidance. Dehua Wu supervised the methodology and provided technical guidance. Keqi Tang contributed to data collection and manuscript revision. Liangshi Yan supervised the study and reviewed the manuscript. Huazhan Yin acquired funding and supervised the project. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are immensely grateful to all the incredible individuals who volunteered their assistance with this study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeclarations of Interest Statement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe research methodologies employed were strictly in line with the stipulations of the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as well as all pertinent amendments in force during the investigative period. Explicit consent was procured from all study participants. The research initiative was duly sanctioned and is currently under the continuous scrutiny of the Research Ethics Committee affiliated with the author\u0026rsquo;s institution.During the preparation of this work the authors used Kimi ai in order to facilitate the drafting and refinement of the manuscript content.. After using this tool, the authors reviewed and edited the content as needed and takes full responsibility for the content of the publication.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAchenbach, T. M. (1966). The classification of children's psychiatric symptoms: A factor-analytic study. \u003cem\u003ePsychological Monographs: General and Applied, 80\u003c/em\u003e(7), 1\u0026ndash;37. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0093906\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAchenbach, T. M., Ivanova, M. Y., Rescorla, L. A., Turner, L. 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Gentleman personality and university students' self-transcendence: The mediating role of natural connectedness. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Zhejiang Shuren University, 25\u003c/em\u003e(5), 67\u0026ndash;74.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-psychology","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"psyo","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Psychology](http://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"BMC Psychology","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Junzi personality, Internalizing and externalizing problems, Subjective happiness, Interpersonal trust, Heterogeneity","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9005873/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9005873/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBackground\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e:\u003cem\u003e Tsze-lu asked what constituted the superior man. The Master said, “The cultivation of himself in reverential carefulness.” “And is this all?” said Tsze-lu. “He cultivates himself so as to give rest to others,” was the reply (Analects 14.43).\u003c/em\u003e Rooted in traditional Chinese culture, Junzi personality embodies moral self-cultivation and social responsibility. Exploring such indigenous psychological resources is valuable for fostering character strengths and culturally responsive mental health education. This study examines the impact of university students’ Junzi personality and its heterogeneity on internalizing (anxiety, depression) and externalizing (aggressive behavior) problems.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e: \u003c/em\u003eA sample of 2,022 Chinese undergraduates aged 18-22 years (\u003cem\u003eM\u003c/em\u003e = 18.59, \u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e= 1.59; 827 men, 40.9%) completed the Junzi Personality in Confucian Thought Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), and the Interpersonal Trust Scale (ITS). Analyzed from variable-centered and person-centered approaches.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e: University students’ Junzi personality can directly predict internalizing problems (anxiety, depression) and externalizing problems (aggressive behavior), and also influences such problems through the independent and chain-mediating effects of subjective happiness and interpersonal trust.Furthermore, Junzi personality among university students exhibits heterogeneity and can be categorized into three distinct profiles: Self-Establishment type (27%), Self-Cultivation type (44.61%), and Peace-Making type (28.39%). The impact of Junzi personality profiles on internalizing and externalizing problems differs significantly (\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.001). Specifically, the Self-Establishment type shows the highest levels of internalizing and externalizing problems, followed by the Self-Cultivation type, while the Peace-Making type demonstrates the lowest levels. Junzi personality profiles exhibit stronger predictive power for internalizing problems than for externalizing problems.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e: This study reveals the mechanisms through which Junzi personality influences internalizing and externalizing problems, as well as the significant differences in these outcomes across distinct Junzi personality subgroups.University-based mental health education can integrate the concept of Junzi personality into culturally adapted intervention programs, empowering students’ positive development through the traditional wisdom of “cultivating oneself to give rest to others”.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"The Influence of Junzi Personality on Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among Chinese University Students: A Variable-Centered and Person-Centered Perspective","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-04-09 15:03:26","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9005873/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-04-11T12:21:59+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"56202525773535690955900137832398628401","date":"2026-04-06T07:37:45+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-04-02T13:46:49+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-03-31T10:54:23+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2026-03-06T07:03:55+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2026-03-06T05:04:52+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Psychology","date":"2026-03-06T04:58:02+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-psychology","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"psyo","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Psychology](http://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"BMC Psychology","twitterHandle":"BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"4b11b050-e8ed-4ee8-b921-85da1ae4879b","owner":[],"postedDate":"April 9th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-04-09T15:03:26+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-04-09 15:03:26","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-9005873","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-9005873","identity":"rs-9005873","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}