A preliminary study of the mental health of young migrant workers in Shenzhen

The aim of this study is to examine the mental health status of young migra nt workers in Shenzhen. Using the Symptoms Check List-90 (SCL-90). Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Social Support Scale and Mental Health Questionn aire for Laborers. 371 migrant workers who came from inland areas of China and 100 local workers were investigated. The SCL-90 profile of migrant work ers was also compared to the SCL-90 norms provided by general people in Chi na. The SCL-90 results showed that the total scores. the average scores of the positive symptoms, the three factor scores of obsessionality, interpers onal sensitivity and phobia in migrant workers were significantly higher th an those in the local workers. According to the multivariate analysis. the amount of contribution to mental health, in descending order, was neurotici sm, psychological pressure, income. home sickness, marital or love problems , extroversion and introversion, living conditions and social status. The m ental health status of young migrant workers in Shenzhen was poorer than th at of their local counterparts. as well as people in China on the SCL-90. I t is recommended that mental health workers should help migrant workers adj ust to the new urban environment by providing psychological counseling and other relevant treatment facilities.