Conceptual model for managing mental health in the culturally diverse construction workforce

Construction workers are exposed to a plethora of stressors which may cause psychological problems. Meanwhile, in the context of globalization, there is a growing trend of diverse culture within the construction industry which may aggravate the mental health issues of construction workforce. Therefore, to better address the mental health issues in a multicultural workplace, the impact of cultural-related factor should be considered. However, how construction workers' mental health is influenced in a multicultural context remains unclear. Thus, there's a need to investigate the major determinants of mental health so as to reduce workers' psychological issues in the culturally diverse worksite. The aim of this research is to develop a conceptual framework of mental health for the multicultural construction workforce. Literature review was adopted as the research method to lay a solid theoretical foundation for the development of the conceptual framework. This study was grounded in the transactional theory of stress and coping. Cultural coping models were employed to justify the incorporation of cultural-related factors. Conceptualisation of intercultural coping was based on the tripartite model of attitude and intercultural competence model. The occupational stress model identified the sub-dimensions of personal and work stressors. Hypotheses regarding the relationships between the main factors were proposed and measurements of each items were determined. The conceptual model may contribute to the knowledge of mental health management in a multicultural construction workplace and provide an effective framework for workers to manage their mental health.