[2026-06-16] Factors Associated With Psychological Resilience Among Myanmar Migrant Workers in Chiang Rai, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study

Theint Nandar Aung; Thapakorn Ruanjai; Tawatchai Apidechkul; Pilasinee Wongnuch; Natnaree Aimyong

doi:10.33165/rmj.2027.e279838

Authors

Theint Nandar Aung Department of Public Health, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7834-8134
Thapakorn Ruanjai Department of Public Health, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand / Center of Excellence for the Hill Tribe Health Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3923-459X
Tawatchai Apidechkul Department of Public Health, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand / Center of Excellence for the Hill Tribe Health Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8301-2055
Pilasinee Wongnuch Department of Public Health, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand / Center of Excellence for the Hill Tribe Health Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4278-503X
Natnaree Aimyong Interdisciplinary Studies and Lifelong Education (I-Grad), Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8359-5414

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33165/rmj.2027.e279838

Keywords:

Psychological resilience, Myanmar, Migrants

Abstract

Background: Psychological resilience plays an important role in enabling individuals to adapt to and recover from adverse conditions. However, comprehensive evidence regarding psychological resilience remains limited, especially among vulnerable populations such as Myanmar migrant workers, who face language barriers and limited access to health services.

Objectives: To examine the psychological resilience level and its associated factors among Myanmar migrant workers in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2025 among 405 Myanmar migrant workers in Chiang Rai, Thailand. A purposive sampling strategy with a 3-stage procedure was used. Data were collected using a 4-part questionnaire assessing personal information, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression.

Results: A total of 405 Myanmar migrant workers participated in the study, with a mean (SD) age of 32.0 (10.2) years, and 51.1% were female. Overall, 44.9% of the participants exhibited low psychological resilience. Multiple linear regression analysis using the stepwise selection method identified 4 factors that remained statistically significant. The final model explained 23.4% of the variance in psychological resilience (R² = 0.241, adjusted R² = 0.234). Notably, individuals with basic/fluent Thai speaking skills had higher psychological resilience scores than those without Thai speaking skills (B = 3.095; 95% CI, 1.420-4.771; P < .001). Similarly, participants who reported drinking had higher resilience scores than nondrinkers (B = 3.379; 95% CI, 1.260-5.498; P = .002). Conversely, higher perceived stress scores were associated with lower psychological resilience scores (B = -0.558; 95% CI, -0.721 to -0.395; P < .001), whereas higher social support from significant others was associated with higher psychological resilience scores (B = 2.951; 95% CI, 1.837-4.065; P < .001).

Conclusions: Psychological resilience among Myanmar migrant workers remains suboptimal. To address the specific associations identified, targeted interventions should prioritize community-based Thai speaking language programs to reduce communication barriers and improve access to care. Additionally, institutional strategies must incorporate structured stress management and reinforce informal support networks from significant others, while promoting healthy, alcohol-free coping mechanisms.

References

American Psychological Association. Resilience. Accessed 1 January 2026. https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience

Masten AS. Resilience theory and research on children and families: past, present, and promise. J Fam Theory Rev. 2018;10(1):12-31. doi:10.1111/jftr.12255

Vella SLC, Pai NB. A theoretical review of psychological resilience: defining resilience and resilience research over the decades. Arch Med Health Sci. 2019;7(2):233-239. doi:10.4103/amhs.amhs_119_19

Skodol AE. The Resilient Personality. In: Reich JW, Zautra AJ, Hall JS, eds. Handbook of Adult Resilience. Guilford Press; 2010:112-125.

Fletcher D, Sarkar M. Psychological resilience: a review and critique of definitions, concepts, and theory. Eur Psychol. 2013;18(1):12-23. doi:10.1027/1016-9040/a000124

Yang X, You L, Jin D, Zou X, Yang H, Liu T. A community-based cross-sectional study of sleep quality among internal migrant workers in the service industry. Compr Psychiatry. 2020;97:152154. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2019.152154

Solà-Sales S, Pérez-González N, Van Hoey J, Iborra-Marmolejo I, Beneyto-Arrojo MJ, Moret-Tatay C. The role of resilience for migrants and refugees' mental health in times of COVID-19. Healthcare. 2021;9(9):1131. doi:10.3390/healthcare9091131

Alqudah AF. Resiliency levels among Iraqi refugees in Jordan and its relation to some demographic variables. Int J Psychol Stud. 2013;5(4):50-59. doi:10.5539/ijps.v5n4p50

Mok KY. Foreign Domestic Workers in Hong Kong: Identifying Risk Factors, Resilience, and Psychological Well-Being. Dissertation. Brigham Young University; 2019.

Htay MNN, Latt SS, Maung KS, Myint WW, Moe S. Mental well-being and its associated factors among Myanmar migrant workers in Penang, Malaysia. Asia Pac J Public Health. 2020;32(6-7):320-327. doi:10.1177/1010539520940199

Akil H, Nestler EJ. The neurobiology of stress: vulnerability, resilience, and major depression. PNAS. 2023;120(49):e2312662120. doi:10.1073/pnas.2312662120

Cheng CKT, Chua JH, Cheng LJ, Ang WHD, Lau Y. Global prevalence of resilience in health care professionals: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression. J Nurs Manag. 2022;30(3):795-816. doi:10.1111/jonm.13558

Andrushko Y, Lanza ST. Exploring resilience and its determinants in the forced migration of Ukrainian citizens: a psychological perspective. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024;21(11):1409. doi:10.3390/ijerph21111409

Windle G. What is resilience? a review and concept analysis. Rev Clin Gerontol. 2011;21(2):152-169. doi:10.1017/S0959259810000420

Migration Data and Research Unit, International Organization for Migration. Overview of Myanmar Migrants in Thailand. Accessed 1 January 2026. https://thailand.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl1371/files/documents/2025-03/myanmar_migrants_thailand_jan25_final-1.pdf

Salhi C, Scoglio AAJ, Ellis H, Issa O, Lincoln A. The relationship of pre- and post-resettlement violence exposure to mental health among refugees: a multi-site panel survey of somalis in the US and Canada. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2021;56(6):1015-1023. doi:10.1007/s00127-020-02010-8

Win N, Hounnaklang N, Tantirattanakulchai P, Panza A. The impact of stressors on depressive symptoms among youth Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand: a cross-sectional study. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2024;17:2653-2663. doi:10.2147/PRBM.S465535

Aung TNN, Shirayama Y, Moolphate S, et al. Prevalence and social determinants of depression: a cross-sectional survey of Myanmar migrant workers in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. Glob Public Health. 2024;19(1):2334316. doi:10.1080/17441692.2024.2334316

Phyo AZ, Hongsranagon P, Soe HHK. Factors inducing anxiety and depression among adult Myanmar migrant workers: a case study in Ratchaburi province, Thailand. J Health Res. 2012;26(2):101-103.

Min Z, Kanthawee P, Inchon P, Suwannaporn S, Azam M, Thanaisawanyangkoon S. Factors shaping health-seeking behavior among Myanmar migrant workers in Chiang Rai, Thailand. BMC Public Health. 2026;26:554. doi:10.1186/s12889-026-26225-7

Charan J, Biswas T. How to calculate sample size for different study designs in medical research? Indian J Psychol Med. 2013;35(2):121-126. doi:10.4103/0253-7176.116232

Taherdoost H. Determining sample size; how to calculate survey sample size. Int J Econ Manag Syst. 2017;2:237-239.

Berry JW. Immigration, acculturation, and adaptation. Appl Psychol. 1997;46(1):5-34. doi:10.1111/j.1464-0597.1997.tb01087.x

Cohen S, Kamarck T, Mermelstein R. A global measure of perceived stress. J Health Soc Behav. 1983;24(4):385-396.

Zimet GD, Dahlem NW, Zimet SG, Farley GK. The multidimensional scale of perceived social support. J Pers Assess. 1988;52(1):30-41. doi:10.1207/s15327752jpa5201_2

Connor KM, Davidson JR. Development of a new resilience scale: the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Depress Anxiety. 2003;18(2):76-82. doi:10.1002/da.10113

Scali J, Gandubert C, Ritchie K, Soulier M, Ancelin ML, Chaudieu I. Measuring resilience in adult women using the 10-items Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). role of trauma exposure and anxiety disorders. PLoS One. 2012;7(6):e39879. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0039879

Sousa VD, Rojjanasrirat W. Translation, adaptation and validation of instruments or scales for use in cross-cultural health care research: a clear and user-friendly guideline. J Eval Clin Pract. 2011;17(2):268-274. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2753.2010.01434

Kim JH. Multicollinearity and misleading statistical results. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2019;72(6):558-569. doi:10.4097/kja.19087

Kang H, Fischer IC, Vus V, et al. Psychological resilience of mental health workers during the Russia-Ukraine war: implications for clinical interventions. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2024;26(5):24m03761. doi:10.4088/PCC.24m03761

Mcizana T, Adams S, Khan S, Ntatamala I. Sociodemographic and work-related factors associated with psychological resilience in South African healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Serv Res. 2024;24(1):979. doi:10.1186/s12913-024-11430-0

Bhatarasakoon P, Inthong S, Nitayawan S, Thongyu R, Sanlaung C, Rahman MA. Factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand: a cross-sectional study. SAGE Open Nurs. 2024;10:23779608241274250. doi:10.1177/23779608241274250

Wu Q, Ge T, Emond A, et al. Acculturation, resilience, and the mental health of migrant youth: a cross-country comparative study. Public Health. 2018;162:63-70. doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2018.05.006

Montemitro C, D'Andrea G, Cesa F, et al. Language proficiency and mental disorders among migrants: a systematic review. Eur Psychiatry. 2021;64(1):e49. doi:10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.2224

Farmawati C, Muniroh SM, Hayeesama-Ae S. Psychological resilience of migrant workers in Thailand: between challenges and adaptation in the destination country. Populasi. 2025;33(1):18-30. doi:10.22146/jp.105082

Liem A, Renzaho AMN, Hannam K, Lam AIF, Hall BJ. Acculturative stress and coping among migrant workers: a global mixed-methods systematic review. Appl Psychol Health Well Being. 2021;13(3):491-517. doi:10.1111/aphw.12271

Lee SH, Kim J, Han C. Low psychological resilience predict the risk for alcohol use disorder in general population: national mental health survey of Korea 2021. Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2025;23(1):53-64. doi:10.9758/cpn.24.1171

Wong MCS, Huang J, Wang HHX, et al. Resilience level and its association with maladaptive coping behaviours in the COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey of the general populations. Global Health. 2023;19(1):1. doi:10.1186/s12992-022-00903-8

Ju G, Lee J, Ahn MH, et al. Effects of depression and resilience of public workers on work-related stress and anxiety in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. J Korean Med Sci. 2021;36(36):e262. doi:10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e262

Lee YR, Lee JY, Kim JM, Shin IS, Yoon JS, Kim SW. A comparative study of burnout, stress, and resilience among emotional workers. Psychiatry Investig. 2019;16(9):686-694. doi:10.30773/pi.2019.07.10

Yuen WW, Wong WC, Holroyd E, Tang CS. Resilience in work-related stress among female sex workers in Hong Kong. Qual Health Res. 2014;24(9):1232-1241. doi:10.1177/1049732314544968

Bayram Değer V, Çifçi S, Kaçan H. The mediating role of psychological resilience in the relationship between workplace violence and job stress among healthcare workers. BMC Public Health. 2025;25(1):3005. doi:10.1186/s12889-025-23560-z

Schetter CD, Dolbier C. Resilience in the context of chronic stress and health in adults. Soc Personal Psychol Compass. 2011;5(9):634-652. doi:10.1111/j.1751-9004.2011.00379.x

Moyce SC, Schenker M. Migrant workers and their occupational health and safety. Annu Rev Public Health. 2018;39:351-365. doi:10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040617-013714

Mcizana T, Adams S, Ntatamala I. Determinants of psychological resilience among healthcare workers in low-and middle-income countries, using the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale: a narrative literature review. Occup Health South Afr. 2024;30(2):63-71. doi:10.62380/ohsa.2024.30.2.2

Lin J, Ren YH, Gan HJ, Chen Y, Huang YF, You XM. Factors associated with resilience among non-local medical workers sent to Wuhan, China during the COVID-19 outbreak. BMC Psychiatry. 2020;20(1):417. doi:10.1186/s12888-020-02821-8

Moret-Tatay C, Zharova I, Cloquell A, Pérez-Bermejo M, Murphy M, Arteaga F. Social support increases resilience and affect in non-displaced Ukrainians and refugees after a year of war. Psicothema. 2025;37(1):22-32. doi:10.70478/psicothema.2025.37.03

Cohen S, Wills TA. Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychol Bull. 1985;98(2):310-357.