| Sumario: | A study investigated the role of social support in protecting the mental health of migrants who experience migration stress during settlement in Shanghai, China. Data were obtained from a survey of 475 migrant workers from four major Shanghai districts. Results suggested that migration stress, especially financial and employment difficulties, relationship problems, and social companionship support, affects the mental health of both male and female migrant workers considerably. Findings revealed that instrumental support significantly affected the mental health of male migrants, whereas esteem support significantly affected female migrants. Furthermore, findings indicated that although social support did not mediate the mental health of male or female migrant workers, social companionship support seemed to moderate the migration stress and mental health of migrant women workers. Implications pertaining to workshops, counseling, and reinforcement of migrant workforce through informal support networks are discussed.
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