Key points:
- More than 700 workers participated in the year-long study
- High perceived stress and psychological distress observed
- Social support found to be a protective factor
As reported by Macao Daily, a recent study has raised concerns about the mental health of casino workers in Macau, identifying unmarried, low-income and shift-working employees as particularly vulnerable to stress, anxiety and depression.
The study, titled Post-pandemic Psychological Assistance for Macau Casino Employees – Based on Core Psychological Theories and Practices, was led by the Chinese Federation for Analytical Psychology in collaboration with the City University of Macau’s School of Health Sciences and the Macau Gaming Industry Employees Home. It was funded by the Macau Foundation.
According to principal researchers Cao Wai and Sit Tou On Kei, the project involved surveys of over 700 casino workers and revealed elevated levels of perceived stress. Many respondents also reported symptoms of anxiety and depression within the past two weeks. The findings highlighted that those who were unmarried, worked rotating shifts, or earned lower incomes were especially prone to mental health risks.
The study also indicated that social support plays a critical role in buffering the psychological impact of stress, functioning as a significant protective factor in maintaining emotional wellbeing.
Good to know: Over 70,000 people are employed in Macau’s gaming sector, which was severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent economic uncertainty
Pak Kin Pong, Centre Supervisor of the Macau Gaming Industry Employees Home Integrated Services Centre, noted that the research has important implications for social service agencies. He emphasised the need for targeted strategies, including the use of technology to identify high-risk individuals and the development of accessible mental health services through stronger collaboration with academic institutions.
City University of Macau Professor Shen Heyong added that further locally grounded studies are planned, including new research on psychological support for cancer patients and their families.
