Abstract
Background
Rest intolerance, the experience of negative emotions when attempting to rest, is an emerging public health concern, yet its population-based epidemiology remains poorly understood.
Objective
This study systematically investigated the prevalence, distribution, and health correlates of rest intolerance among adults in China, with particular focus on its manifestation in highly educated and younger populations.
Methods
We analyzed cross-sectional data from 24,405 adults in the 2024 Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents (PBICR) survey. Rest intolerance (Rest Intolerance Scale–8 [RIS-8]), mental health (Patient Health Questionnaire–9 [PHQ-9], Generalized Anxiety Disorder–R3 [GAD-R3], and Perceived Stress Scale–4 [PSS-4]), and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L or EuroQol visual analog scale [EQ-VAS]) were assessed. Cutoffs were derived via cluster analysis and latent profile analysis, followed by regression and moderation analyses.
Results
The overall prevalence of high rest intolerance was 14.94% (3645/24,405). Notably, rates were significantly elevated among younger adults and those with higher educational levels. Rest intolerance was significantly associated with adverse mental health outcomes (anxiety: β=0.406; depression: β=0.402; and perceived stress: β=0.440; all P
Conclusions
Rest intolerance affects 14.94% of adults in China, with highly educated and younger populations constituting particularly high-risk groups. The condition demonstrates robust associations with adverse mental health outcomes and diminished quality of life, especially among these populations. These findings underscore the need for targeted psychological interventions and workplace health policies addressing rest-related distress in contemporary performance-oriented societies.