Despite extensive evidence of the direct impact of relative deprivation on health, the mediating role of tobacco, alcohol and betel nuts in this impact has been largely ignored. This study aimed to verify whether these negative health behaviors are mediating factors for relative deprivation and health according to the mediating effect concept. Data from the Hainan Island Residents Health Interview Survey in 2017 were used. Variables including age, marital status, educational level, chronic diseases and area of residence were controlled for in multivariate analysis with separate sex analyses. Mediating effects of smoking, alcohol drinking and betel nut chewing, and whether the effects were complete or partial, were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Smoking, alcohol drinking and betel nut chewing had a significant mediating effect in men, but not in women; however, alcohol drinking and betel nut chewing had similar, significant complete mediation in both sexes. Dissatisfaction following relative deprivation due to uneven income distribution may be relieved through these negative health behaviors. Therefore, better medical resources should be provided to improve residents’ health and the impact of income inequality on health, particularly the growing gap between the rich and poor, should be addressed.

To develop a psycho-biographical profile on Yuan Longping, a tireless hybrid rice research scientist, we performed a content analysis of personality adjectives. For dependability of the analysis, we utilised the methods of “prototypical scenes” and “key factors of growth”. Our analysis suggests Yuan Longping’s primary personality traits include optimism, selflessness, generosity, carefree, spontaneousness, and innovativeness. Influences on his predispositions were quite varied and spanned a caring family with abundant financial resources, harmonious relationships, a knowledge-oriented environment, and a loving mother. These personal, material, and relationship affordances helped Yuan Longping overcome adversities in personal life, with thriving and self-actualisation as a hybrid rice research scientist.