The Association between Loneliness and Perceived Stress among Delivery Gig Workers in Urban China: The Moderating Effect of Job Identity

This study examined the association between loneliness and perceived stress among delivery gig workers in urban China and explored the moderating effect of job identity. Based on survey data from 264 full-time delivery workers in Shanghai and Xi’an, findings showed that loneliness was positively associated with perceived stress, while job identity significantly moderated this relationship. Workers with higher job identity experienced a weaker association between loneliness and stress. Regression analyses and subgroup comparisons confirmed the buffering role of job identity. These results underscore the importance of enhancing social identity and job-related belongingness to alleviate stress among gig workers. Implications for digital platform companies and mental health interventions are discussed.