Inter-generational transmission of psychological capital for adolescents: the mediating role of community social capital and the moderating role of spatial stratification

The inter-generational transmission of psychological capital plays a vital role in promoting urban adolescents’ development and mental health. However, prior research has predominantly focused on intra-family mechanisms while giving insufficient attention to the mediating role of social capital and the broader community context. Using an interdisciplinary perspective between psychology and sociology, this study examined how parental psychological capital influences adolescent psychological capital through social capital and explored the moderating effect of community type. This cross-sectional study collected survey data from 502 families in Shanghai, each comprising one high school student and both parents (total N = 1,506 participants). The results indicated that family (parental) psychological capital, social capital, and adolescent psychological capital were all significantly and positively correlated. Parental psychological capital was significantly and positively correlated with adolescent psychological capital, with social capital partially mediating this relationship. Community type significantly moderated the path from parental psychological capital to social capital, with the mediating effect being stronger in urban communities with high proximity to the downtown area compared to communities in suburban areas. These findings highlight the contextual dependence of the inter-generational transmission of psychological capital, underscore the critical role of social capital and community stratification in adolescent psychological development, and provide both theoretical insights and practical implications for enhancing family support and community-based interventions.