A296: Pre-Event Perceptions and National Identity of Macau Residents Towards the 15th National Games of China

Under the "one country, two systems" framework, the construction of national identity among Macau residents is of significant interest. This study aims to fill the research gap by analyzing the relationships between pre-event perceptions, event support, event participation intentions, and national identity among Macau residents regarding the 15th National Games. A total of 400 valid samples were collected from Macau residents. A theoretical framework was constructed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the relationships between positive perceptions (POP), negative perceptions (NOP), event support (ES), event participation intentions (EPI), and national identity (NI). Data were measured using a Likert scale, and model fitting and analysis were conducted using Amos 26.0 software. The results indicate that positive perceptions significantly positively influence event support (β=0.421, p < 0.05) and event participation intentions (β=0.462, p < 0.05). In contrast, negative perceptions have significant negative event support (β=-0.220, p < 0.05) and event participation intentions (β=-0.218, p < 0.05). Event support significantly positively predicts national identity (β=0.508, p < 0.05), while the impact of event participation intentions on national identity is not significant (β=0.363, p > 0.05). The model shows a good fit (χ ² /df=1.290, RMSEA=0.019, GFI=0.952, AGFI=0.944). SEM results demonstrate that all five mediating effect paths between positive/negative perceptions, event support, participation intentions, and national identity are significant. This study reveals the complex mediating mechanisms through which pre-event perceptions influence national identity via event support and participation intentions. Positive perceptions primarily enhance national identity through event support, while negative perceptions indirectly reduce national identity by weakening event support. Event support plays a critical mediating role between perceptions and national identity. This study provides practical guidance for the organizing committee of the National Games and related management institutions to optimize resident participation and strengthen national identity.