All that matters is personal development: A conservation of resources perspective on the well-being of cross-border migrant Hong Kong and Macao youth in Mainland China

The literature exhibits a notable deficiency in addressing the experiences of cross-border Hong Kong and Macao (HKM) migrant youth in Mainland China. Previous research has predominantly concentrated on their national and social identities, while their psychological adaptation post-migration remains underexplored. This study is pioneering in its application of the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory to compare the differential resource acquisition and preservation strategies employed by HKM migrant university students and working youth in Mainland China. These strategies are examined within a multi-level social ecological framework to enhance well-being.

A total of 117 working youth and 179 university students completed questionnaires that assessed perceived supportive policy, social capital, cultural identity, and future time perspective. Hierarchical regression analyses disclosed distinct patterns: supportive policy emerged as a significant predictor of well-being among working youth, whereas social capital was paramount for university students. Both groups were significantly influenced by future time perspective. Contrary to expectations, cultural identity did not exert a significant effect on the well-being of either group. Furthermore, no regional differences between Hong Kong and Macao were found regarding the impact of these resources. These findings indicate that the efficacy of resources is contingent on individual contexts, goals, and values.

These results unveil a nuanced pattern of COR strategies across varying life circumstances and underscore the importance of a context-specific approach to resource investment and preservation. The study advocates for more tailored supportive policies to augment context-specific social resources for both groups of youths to help them better adapt their life in cross-border migration.