Study reveals mental health challenges among unmarried and lower-income gaming workers

A recent study found that the city’s gaming industry employees experience considerable psychological strain, prompting calls for a comprehensive mental health support system within the sector.

The research was conducted by the Chinese Federation for Analytical Psychology and covered a series of aspects of mental well-being among workers in the gaming industry.

In a press conference, the association explained that the study, carried out in 2024, employed a mixed-method approach.

A survey of around 700 gaming employees revealed that anxiety and depression symptoms were notably more pronounced among unmarried workers, those without children, and lower-income groups.

According to the group, these employees also showed weaker psychological resilience and less social support.

In addition to the survey, researchers conducted interviews with 16 employees who experienced anxiety or depression within a two-week period.

According to the group’s academic adviser Chou Wai, interviewees cited factors such as high work intensity, conflicts between work schedules and personal time, financial pressures, and company management practices as key contributors to their emotional distress.

Chou suggested that improving shift scheduling could help alleviate some of the stress.

He also recommended that the government increase promotion of psychological counseling services to better support employees facing mental health challenges.

A similar survey released late last year by the Macao Gaming Industry Employees Home Integrated Services Centre highlights the impact of demanding work schedules and dwindling social support on employees’ well-being.

The survey revealed a 4.61% decline in social support scores compared to a similar study in 2021.

This suggests gaming practitioners are dedicating less time to friends and family, potentially due to the pressures of their jobs. Compared to the 2021 data, this year’s results indicate a 7.61% decrease in job insecurity among gaming practitioners.

Further analysis showed 87.19% of respondents work shifts, with 82% logging 45 to 48 hours per week and 69.8% working eight to 10 hours daily.

Also, 18.4% of participants had three or more weeks of night shifts preceding the survey, which was linked to heightened job insecurity, difficulties with adaptation, and diminished social support.