Group Characteristics and Mental Health of Chinese Expatriates in Africa and Central Asia: A Multisite, Multiyear Study

• Published in: Journal of workplace behavioral health Vol. 30; no. 1-2; pp. 209 - 227
• Main Authors: Li, Peizhong, Sharar, David A., Zhang, Jie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 03.04.2015
• Subjects: Central Asia; Chinese expatriate workers; Demographics; Education; Health; Management; Mental health; Occupational; psychological assessment; Trends; Workplaces
• ISSN: 1555-5240; 1555-5259
• DOI: 10.1080/15555240.2015.1000171

This study examines the mental health status of Chinese expatriate workers stationed in Africa and Central Asia in relation to their demographic and occupational characteristics. Data were collected from expatriates working for two large Chinese companies in different locations over 5 years. Two studies provide a consistent profile of Chinese expatriates in terms of gender makeup, age distribution, family structure, education, and management positions. Study 1 shows that women, managers, and more educated expatriates report more symptoms of psychological distress than men, nonmanagers, and employees with less education. Study 2 examines more specific symptoms among managers and nonmanagers across different contexts, that is, when they are on duty, vacationing, and prior to deployment. Expatriates on duty fared worse than their vacationing or predeployment colleagues. This trend was more prominent among the managers. Implications of the findings with respect to improving the working and living conditions and mental health assistance for this group are discussed.