Background:The mobility of people in rural areas may lead to more and more left-behind children(LBC)appearing,and being an LBC brings a lot of risks to mental health,which could greatly hinder children’s development ...Background:The mobility of people in rural areas may lead to more and more left-behind children(LBC)appearing,and being an LBC brings a lot of risks to mental health,which could greatly hinder children’s development and undermine their happiness and safety in life.Previous scholars have conducted plenty of studies that focused on Chinese rural LBCs’mental health issues,such as what they exactly look like and some potential factors,but there remains a paucity of reviews about the relationship among certain mental health issues.We will try to figure out how the most common mental health issues of LBC in China’s rural areas correlate with each other,as well as their related factors.Methods:In this study,we used a systematic review approach to analyze 35 publications from Web of Science and EBSCO(to August 2025),followed by the sorting standards of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)2020.Results:By mainly using quantitative techniques,we found that Chinese rural LBC are more likely to have mental health issues than children who have no experience of being left behind,and they often suffer from depression,social anxiety,internet addiction,and suicidal ideation.These four mental health issues share influencing factors and positively correlate with each other.We also found that Chinese rural LBCs are somewhat resilient towards the risk factors of mental health issues,and national or social policies and interventions can really help them a lot.Conclusion:For Chinese rural LBC,there are important relationships among the common psychological disorders they often suffer,along with multiple factors that affect their mental health,which can help related scholars and practitioners pay attention to such mechanisms and think more comprehensively when they try to help the children who are left behind.展开更多
Backgrounds:Left-behind children are particularly vulnerable to emotional and social maladjustment due to prolonged parental absence,yet the psychological mechanisms linking interpersonal disturbance to their psycholo...Backgrounds:Left-behind children are particularly vulnerable to emotional and social maladjustment due to prolonged parental absence,yet the psychological mechanisms linking interpersonal disturbance to their psychological security remain insufficiently understood.Guided by the Conservation of Resources Theory,this research aims to explore how interpersonal disturbance influcence psychological security among left-behind children,specifically through the serial mediation effect of resilience and self-esteem.Methods:Survey questionnaires were distributed via convenience sampling to left-behind children whose age ranging from 10 to 13 years old in Guangxi,China,finally,696 valid responses(Mean age=11.40,Standard Deviation(SD)=0.98)were retained for analysis to test the hypothesized mediation model.Results:Interpersonal disturbance showed a significant negative association with psychological security among left-behind children(β=−0.493,95%Confidence Interval(CI)[−0.548,−0.438],p<0.001).Resilience and self-esteem functioned as key links within the connection between these two variables(β=−0.101,95%CI[−0.134,−0.068];β=−0.058,95%CI[−0.080,−0.036],both p<0.001,respectively).This relationship was also characterized by the serial mediation effect of resilience and self-esteem(β=−0.052,95%CI[−0.069,−0.035],p<0.001).Conclusions:Interpersonal disturbance is not only directly associated with lower psychological security among left-behind children but also relates to it through its connection with diminished resilience and self-esteem.This research highlights the complex interface of factors surrounding the psychological security of left-behind children in school environment,indicating that educational support might be most effective when focusing on interpersonal environments and the stability of children’s internal resources.展开更多
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence has shown an increased risk of non-suicidal self-injury(NSSI)in left-behind children and adolescents(LBCAs).However,a systematic summary of studies comparing the risk of NSSI between LBC...BACKGROUND Increasing evidence has shown an increased risk of non-suicidal self-injury(NSSI)in left-behind children and adolescents(LBCAs).However,a systematic summary of studies comparing the risk of NSSI between LBCAs and non-LBCAs in China is lacking.AIM To investigate the risk of NSSI among LBCAs in China.METHODS We performed a systematic search of Embase,PubMed,and Web of Science from initiation to October 25,2024,for all relevant studies of NSSI and LBCAs.The effect sizes were reported as odds ratios(ORs)with 95%confidence intervals(CI).Sensitivity analyses were conducted to further confirm the stability of the findings.RESULTS A total of 10 studies with 165276 children and adolescents were included in this study.LBCAs had significantly higher rates of NSSI compared with non-LBCAs(OR=1.33,95%CI:1.19-1.49),with high heterogeneity observed(I2=77%,P<0.001).Further sensitivity analyses were consistent with the primary analysis(OR=1.29,95%CI:1.21-1.39,I2=0%).CONCLUSION LBCAs are found to be at an increased risk of NSSI compared with children and adolescents of non-migrants.More attention and intervention are urgently needed for LBCAs,especially those living in developing countries.展开更多
Objectives:Suicidal ideation is a strong predictor of suicide deaths,which refers to the consideration or desire to give up one's own life.Left-behind children in rural China are more vulnerable to psychological p...Objectives:Suicidal ideation is a strong predictor of suicide deaths,which refers to the consideration or desire to give up one's own life.Left-behind children in rural China are more vulnerable to psychological problems and suicidal ideation compared to their non-left-behind peers.The aim of the current study was to examine two potential protective factors,negotiable fate belief and coping self-efficacy,and to test the mediating role of coping self-efficacy in the relationship between negotiable fate belief and suicidal ideation.We also analyzed gender differences in this mediation model.Methods:Across-sectional survey was conducted in rural areas ofChina.A sample of 526 left-behind children(285 males,54.18%;241 females,45.82%;Meanage=13.29 years,SD=0.97 years)was recruited to complete the Negotiable Fate Belief Scale,Coping Self-Efficacy Scale,and the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation Inventory-Negative Scale.We used structural equation modeling to test the mediation model and multigroup analysis to test the moderation effect of gender.Results:Negotiable fate belief is negatively correlated with suicidal ideation(r=-0.13,p<0.01).Moreover,coping self-efficacy mediates the relationship between negotiable fate belief and suicidal ideation(β=-0.06,95%confidence interval(CI)[-0.12,-0.02]),accounting for 35.29%of the total effect.Finally,the mediating effect of coping self-efficacy was found to be significant only for female left-behind children(male:95%CI[-0.09,0.07];female:95%CI[-0.16,-0.01]).For female left-behind children,the mediating effect was complete,with a coefficient of-0.06,accounting for 85.71%of the total effect.Conclusions:The relationship between negotiable fate belief and suicidal ideation among rural left-behind children is mediated by coping self-efficacy,and this mediation effect was moderated by gender.This study provides a theoretical explanation for how cultivating the belief in negotiable fate and coping self-efficacy is effective for reducing suicidal ideation of rural left-behind children.展开更多
“When you have 61 million children who cannot relate to their parents,it is very traumatizing for a society”,said Sanna Johnson,Executive Director of the Center for Child Rights(CCR)and Corporate Social Responsibili...“When you have 61 million children who cannot relate to their parents,it is very traumatizing for a society”,said Sanna Johnson,Executive Director of the Center for Child Rights(CCR)and Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR).However,this is the stark reality for approximately 69 million children in China who have been left behind in rural villages while their parents migrate to cities in search of work.展开更多
While migration is widely recognized as a valid option for improving farmers’ income, the welfare effects of migration on left-behind family members are ambiguous. This study examines the impacts of migration on left...While migration is widely recognized as a valid option for improving farmers’ income, the welfare effects of migration on left-behind family members are ambiguous. This study examines the impacts of migration on left-behind family members’ food consumption and nutrient intake, particularly in remote rural areas in China. Based on household survey data collected from 611 smallholder rubber farmers in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture of southwestern China, the empirical results suggest that the migration of family members contributes to improving household net income, whereas it negatively affects left-behind family members’ consumption of grain and pork. Migration also leads to a decrease in left-behind family members’ nutrient intake. Surprisingly, the economic returns of farmers’ migration not only do not foster the transformation of household food consumption from a staple food-dominated dietary structure to one including more meat and dairy products but also reduce left-behind family members’ nutrient intake. This study adds to the literature on the impact of farmers’ migration. The findings have important implications for better understanding the impacts of migration on farmers’ livelihood and human capital development in rural China.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems and related factors of left-behind children in impoverished rural China(mainly in thefirst grade of junior high school).Methods:A cross-sect...Objective:To investigate the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems and related factors of left-behind children in impoverished rural China(mainly in thefirst grade of junior high school).Methods:A cross-sectional survey of rural households in 27 poverty-stricken counties in 12 provinces across China was conducted using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire(SDQ).Results:The prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems in left-behind children was 11.7%,and that of non-left-behind children was 8.9%.There was statistical difference between the two groups(P<0.01).There are no differences between the two groups in terms of the various factors of SDQ.The incidence of insomnia in the left-behind group was 58.3%,which was higher than that in the non-left-behind group 50.9%(P<0.01);loneliness(62.1%vs.51.8%,P<0.01);running away from home(23.1%vs.18.8%,P<0.01),and self-injury behavior(16.8%vs.12.2%,P<0.01).Left-behind children are more likely to have negative psychological feelings including insomnia,loneliness,self-injury,and run away from home.They also experienced more bullying including maliciously teased by peers,intentionally excluded or isolated,physically threatened or intimidated.All of these factors are associated with their abnormal emotional and behavioural development.Conclusion:The incidence of emotional and behavioral problems of left-behind children in rural areas in poverty-stricken areas is significantly higher than that of non-left-behind children;Logistic regression analysis showed that bullying behavior and abnormal psychological characteristics are significantly associated with left-behind adolescents abnormal emotional and behavioral development.展开更多
Background:The mental health of left-behind rural children of China has become a prominent social problem.At the same time,psychological capital has become a positive psychological resource to promote personal growth....Background:The mental health of left-behind rural children of China has become a prominent social problem.At the same time,psychological capital has become a positive psychological resource to promote personal growth.However,the relationship between psychological capital and mental health of left-behind rural children has not been explored.Method:A total of 332 left-behind rural children were investigated using a questionnaire of psychological capital and mental health scale.The psychological capital status of left-behind rural children and its impact on mental health were analyzed.Results:(1)Left-behind rural children were found to have a psychological capital score of was 3.16±0.56;Gender,age,grade,and school style had no significant effect on psychological capital.(2)Left-behind rural children obtained a mental health score of 2.21±0.5 G and gender,age,grade,and school style had no significant effect on mental health.(3)A significant negative correlation is found between psychological capital and mental health scores of left-behind rural children.Regression analysis shows that psychological capital is negatively correlated with mental health scores.Conclusion:The psychological capital of left-behind rural children can positively predict their mental health,and thus developing the former can promote the latter.展开更多
Social anxiety is a common psychological problem among left-behind children(LBC)and has been a popular issue in recent years.Children with higher levels of social anxiety have more emotional and behavioral problems an...Social anxiety is a common psychological problem among left-behind children(LBC)and has been a popular issue in recent years.Children with higher levels of social anxiety have more emotional and behavioral problems and are prone to negative life events.Although several studies have explored the differences in social anxiety between LBC and non-left-behind children(N-LBC),the findings have not been consistent.In this study,a systematic review and meta-analysis method was used,with 411 papers retrieved on October 01,2023,from Pubmed,Embase,Web of Science,and Chinese databases(CNKI,VIP,and Wanfang)(PROSPERO registry number:CRD42023472463).Twenty-one studies met the research criteria and included 11,254 LBC and 13,096 N-LBC.LBC scored significantly higher for social anxiety([WMD(95%CI):0.35[0.23,0.48],p<0.001])and social avoidance and distress([WMD(95%CI):0.35[0.23,0.48],p<0.001]).Subgroup analyses showed significant differences in effect sizes for the overall proportion of children left behind(p=0.02).In addition,different types of parental migration may influence the social anxiety of LBC,double-parent migration was associated higher social anxiety than father migration(p<0.001).Future research should focus on treatments to decrease social anxiety of left-behind children.These findings suggest that due to the long-term absence of parental migration,LBC are more vulnerable to negative emotional experiences and behaviours such as anxiety,distress,and avoidance during social interaction,especially for those with both parents absent from the home.Future research should focus on treatments to reduce social anxiety in LBC.展开更多
This study investigates the impact of parental labor migration on the academic achievements and non-academic growth of left-behind children in fourth and seventh grades. Employing survey data collected from rural Chin...This study investigates the impact of parental labor migration on the academic achievements and non-academic growth of left-behind children in fourth and seventh grades. Employing survey data collected from rural China in 2014, 2015, and 2016, we examine the effect of parental absence on children's academic achievement using Propensity Score Matching(PSM) and Difference in Difference(DID) methods. The results demonstrate that left-behind children whose parents have migrated for one year have statistically significantly lower academic scores. Academic scores drop lower for fourthgrade students and students from higher-income families. There are also adverse effects on left-behind children's confidence, teacher-student relationships, subjective well-being, and educational expectations if parents migrate for one year. Surprisingly, if parental migration lasts longer(totaling two years), these adverse effects disappear, and student's educational expectations even improve. These results may be because, over time, the adverse effects that occur immediately after parental migration are offset by the positive effects of migration(i.e. higher income). These conclusions can inform migrant parents on ways to utilize their resources to improve the academic performance of their left-behind children.展开更多
Left-behind children comprise a special population inChinese rural areas. According to the 2007 China Census,the number ofleft-behind children aged≤14 years was estimated at 58 million which suggested that these chil...Left-behind children comprise a special population inChinese rural areas. According to the 2007 China Census,the number ofleft-behind children aged≤14 years was estimated at 58 million which suggested that these childrencon stituted a展开更多
It has been confirmed in previous studies that there is a positive correlation between physical activity and hope.In this study,rural left-behind children in China was taken as the participants to investigate the impa...It has been confirmed in previous studies that there is a positive correlation between physical activity and hope.In this study,rural left-behind children in China was taken as the participants to investigate the impact of physical activity on hope in rural left-behind children and examine the mediating role of perceived social support in the relationship between physical activity and hope.797 valid copies of the questionnaire were collected from China.Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the relationship between physical activity and hope;SEM and Bootstrap were used to test the mediating effect of perceived social support.The results show that physical activity can not only directly and positively predict the level of hope in rural leftbehind children but can also predict the level of hope through perceived social support;perceived social support plays a mediating role in the relationship between physical activity and hope.These results highlight the necessity to pay more attention to the physical activity of left-behind children and the possibility to improve the level of hope by increasing their physical activity;at the same time,the acquisition of more material,emotional and psychological support from teachers and guardians is more conducive to improving the sense of hope in left-behind children.These findings can deepen the understanding of the sense of hope in left-behind children,and provide new methods for and enlightenments on improving the level of hope in left-behind children.展开更多
Left-behind experience refers to the experience of children staying behind in their hometown under the care of only one parent or their relatives while one or both of their parents leave to work in other places.Colleg...Left-behind experience refers to the experience of children staying behind in their hometown under the care of only one parent or their relatives while one or both of their parents leave to work in other places.College students with left-behind experience showed higher aggression levels.To further explore the relationship between left-behind experience and aggression,the current study categorized left-behind experience using latent class analysis and explored its relationship with aggression.One thousand twenty-eight Chinese college students with left-behind experience were recruited,and their aggression levels were assessed.The results showed that there were four categories of left-behind experience:“starting from preschool,frequent contact”(35.5%),“less than 10 years in duration,limited contact”(27.0%),“starting from preschool,over 10 years in duration,limited contact”(10.9%),and“starting from school age,frequent contact”(26.6%).Overall,college students who reported frequent contact with their parents during the left-behind period showed lower levels of aggression than others did.Females were less aggressive than males in the“starting from preschool,frequent contact”left-behind situation,while males were less aggressive than females in the“starting from school age,frequent contact”situation.Thesefindings indicate that frequent contact with leaving parents contributes to decreasing aggression of college students with left-behind experience.Meanwhile,gender is an important factor in this relationship.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the loneliness and psychological resilience with the perceived social support of the left-behind elderly in rural areas and explore the moderating effect of psychological resilience on the und...Objective:To investigate the loneliness and psychological resilience with the perceived social support of the left-behind elderly in rural areas and explore the moderating effect of psychological resilience on the understanding of social support and loneliness of the left-behind elderly in rural areas.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted;272 left-behind elderly people in 6 rural villages in the Sichuan Province were investigated by using the General Situation Questionnaire,Perceived Social Support Scale(PSSS),Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC),and the University of California at Los Angeles Loneliness Scale(UCLA)with a stratified random cluster sampling method.Results:The loneliness score of the left-behind elderly in rural areas was 52.54±7.25,the psychological resilience score was 78(68.87),and the perceived social support score was 57(51.62).The perceived social support and psychological resilience were negatively correlated with loneliness,while the perceived social support was positively correlated with psychological resilience.The moderating effect of psychological resilience on the perceived social support and loneliness of the left-behind elderly in rural areas was−0.102(P<0.001).Conclusions:Higher level resilience is of positive significance to alleviate the negative effect of social support on loneliness.Improving the resilience of the left-behind elderly in rural areas is a beneficial exploration to promote their mental health.展开更多
Since the 1990s, the large-scale migrant labor force from rural to urban areas has made great contributions to the growth in China. However, migration does not come without costs. The potential impacts of parental mig...Since the 1990s, the large-scale migrant labor force from rural to urban areas has made great contributions to the growth in China. However, migration does not come without costs. The potential impacts of parental migration on the left-behind children have aroused wide concerns. Based on a two-wave panel dataset of nearly 10 thousand students in 166 schools from 13 counties in 5 provinces between 2014 and 2015, differences-in-differences (DID) and propensity score matching plus DID (PSMDID) approaches were used to examine the changes in academic performances before and after the parental out-migration. The results indicated that the mother only migration has a significant negative impact on the a- cademic performances of left-behind children, and it was especially true when the mother only migration lasted more than a semester. For left-behind children whose parents were out or only the father was out, their academic performances were not affected.展开更多
Objective:To explore the time management tendency of left-behind adolescents,compare the differences of time management of left-behind.Methods:The questionnaire studies the adolescents students of major labor.Results:...Objective:To explore the time management tendency of left-behind adolescents,compare the differences of time management of left-behind.Methods:The questionnaire studies the adolescents students of major labor.Results:Left-behind adolescents are tend to form bad time management tendency(t4.24,p>0.05);16-year-old time is a critical period of forming social value of time management(F>4.24,p>0.05),the grade(F(2,331)=3.74,p=0.03),and whether the only child(t=2.26,p=0.03)has priority to the impact of time management;the children’s age when their parents left.The left period of their parents,the parents who go out,and the visit interval all these factors affect the adolescents’time management tendency(R2>0.21,p<0.001).展开更多
In this study, the relationship between social anxiety, coping style and loneliness amongst left-behind children was investigated. The participants were 773 left-behind children recruited from 8 junior middle schools ...In this study, the relationship between social anxiety, coping style and loneliness amongst left-behind children was investigated. The participants were 773 left-behind children recruited from 8 junior middle schools in rural areas of Zhejiang Province in China who completed the Social Anxiety Scale for Children, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire and Children’s Loneliness Scale. Results show that there was a moderate correlation between social anxiety and loneliness, and these variables had a significant negative relationship with positive coping style and a significant positive relationship with negative coping style. Furthermore, the left-behind children’s social anxiety, coping style and loneliness were different within specific demographic groups, such as gender, only child status and different type of parental work. Also negative coping style moderated the association between loneliness and social anxiety, so that children who were more likely to use negative coping strategies showed a stronger relationship between social anxiety and loneliness. Finally, the left-behind children’s social anxiety not only directly predicted their loneliness, but also had an indirect effect mediated by their copying style.展开更多
Objective:To analyze the sociological support system available for left-behind wives of male outmigrants and develop a model that predicts the antenatal care(ANC)services utilization.Methods:A cross-sectional survey w...Objective:To analyze the sociological support system available for left-behind wives of male outmigrants and develop a model that predicts the antenatal care(ANC)services utilization.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in rural regions of the Patna district,India.The sample size(n=328)was estimated using Cochran’s formula.Five parameters of the social support system were identified(autonomy,spousal support,family support,social circle support,and government support).The score for each was calculated as a composite score using multiple variables;these served as independent variables.The respondents were categorized as efficient and non-efficient users of ANC service based on established criteria.Results:The regression results showed that four out of five social parameters had a significant effect on ANC behavior.Spousal support was the strongest predictor(standardized regression coefficient β=0.57,OR 1.16,95%CI 1.08-1.79,P=0.007).Government support was found to be the second strongest predictor(β=0.40,OR 1.49,95%CI 1.04-2.14,P=0.027),followed by family support(β=0.31,OR 1.36,95%CI 1.23-2.57,P=0.034)and autonomy(β=0.11,OR 1.32,95%CI 1.11-2.26,P=0.030).The social circle support was found to be non-significant in predicting ANC behavior(P>0.05).Conclusions:The policymakers could focus on the identified predictors to strengthen and modify the existing policies for leftbehind wives of male outmigrants.The need of the hour is a strategic intervention for behavioral modification of not only the left-behind wives but also their family members along with reinforcement of the existing social-security net.One strategy we suggest is to launch an awareness campaign focusing on husbands(male outmigrants)and family members.展开更多
A survey carried out among 286 left-behind children in a middle school through the lens of L2 Motivational Self System presents that although left-behind children possess low level of English learning motivation,they ...A survey carried out among 286 left-behind children in a middle school through the lens of L2 Motivational Self System presents that although left-behind children possess low level of English learning motivation,they are favorably disposed towards studying English.Among the three dimensions of L2 Motivational Self System in this survey,L2 Learning Experience influences English learning motivation of left-behind children most and Ideal L2 Self with Ought-to L2 Self ranks the second in affecting their motivation.Practicalimplications are also provided.展开更多
The present study is aiming to exploring the behavior status of rural left-behind children in China. In a case-control study, we used Rutter Children's Behavior Questionnaire for teacher to measure behavior status of...The present study is aiming to exploring the behavior status of rural left-behind children in China. In a case-control study, we used Rutter Children's Behavior Questionnaire for teacher to measure behavior status of children in left-behind group and control group. Furthermore, we also compared behavior status of children in different age groups (grades two, four and five). The results showed that rural left-behind children in China have more behavior problems than the control group, and children in the elder group have more behavior problems than children in the younger group.展开更多
基金funded by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.1233300002).
摘要Background:The mobility of people in rural areas may lead to more and more left-behind children(LBC)appearing,and being an LBC brings a lot of risks to mental health,which could greatly hinder children’s development and undermine their happiness and safety in life.Previous scholars have conducted plenty of studies that focused on Chinese rural LBCs’mental health issues,such as what they exactly look like and some potential factors,but there remains a paucity of reviews about the relationship among certain mental health issues.We will try to figure out how the most common mental health issues of LBC in China’s rural areas correlate with each other,as well as their related factors.Methods:In this study,we used a systematic review approach to analyze 35 publications from Web of Science and EBSCO(to August 2025),followed by the sorting standards of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)2020.Results:By mainly using quantitative techniques,we found that Chinese rural LBC are more likely to have mental health issues than children who have no experience of being left behind,and they often suffer from depression,social anxiety,internet addiction,and suicidal ideation.These four mental health issues share influencing factors and positively correlate with each other.We also found that Chinese rural LBCs are somewhat resilient towards the risk factors of mental health issues,and national or social policies and interventions can really help them a lot.Conclusion:For Chinese rural LBC,there are important relationships among the common psychological disorders they often suffer,along with multiple factors that affect their mental health,which can help related scholars and practitioners pay attention to such mechanisms and think more comprehensively when they try to help the children who are left behind.
基金funded by funding of the Special Foundation of Degree and Postgraduate Education of Guangxi Minzu Normal University,grant number(3950020402).
摘要Backgrounds:Left-behind children are particularly vulnerable to emotional and social maladjustment due to prolonged parental absence,yet the psychological mechanisms linking interpersonal disturbance to their psychological security remain insufficiently understood.Guided by the Conservation of Resources Theory,this research aims to explore how interpersonal disturbance influcence psychological security among left-behind children,specifically through the serial mediation effect of resilience and self-esteem.Methods:Survey questionnaires were distributed via convenience sampling to left-behind children whose age ranging from 10 to 13 years old in Guangxi,China,finally,696 valid responses(Mean age=11.40,Standard Deviation(SD)=0.98)were retained for analysis to test the hypothesized mediation model.Results:Interpersonal disturbance showed a significant negative association with psychological security among left-behind children(β=−0.493,95%Confidence Interval(CI)[−0.548,−0.438],p<0.001).Resilience and self-esteem functioned as key links within the connection between these two variables(β=−0.101,95%CI[−0.134,−0.068];β=−0.058,95%CI[−0.080,−0.036],both p<0.001,respectively).This relationship was also characterized by the serial mediation effect of resilience and self-esteem(β=−0.052,95%CI[−0.069,−0.035],p<0.001).Conclusions:Interpersonal disturbance is not only directly associated with lower psychological security among left-behind children but also relates to it through its connection with diminished resilience and self-esteem.This research highlights the complex interface of factors surrounding the psychological security of left-behind children in school environment,indicating that educational support might be most effective when focusing on interpersonal environments and the stability of children’s internal resources.
基金Supported by the Fujian Provincial Health and Family Planning Youth Scientific Research Project,No.2022QNB029.
摘要BACKGROUND Increasing evidence has shown an increased risk of non-suicidal self-injury(NSSI)in left-behind children and adolescents(LBCAs).However,a systematic summary of studies comparing the risk of NSSI between LBCAs and non-LBCAs in China is lacking.AIM To investigate the risk of NSSI among LBCAs in China.METHODS We performed a systematic search of Embase,PubMed,and Web of Science from initiation to October 25,2024,for all relevant studies of NSSI and LBCAs.The effect sizes were reported as odds ratios(ORs)with 95%confidence intervals(CI).Sensitivity analyses were conducted to further confirm the stability of the findings.RESULTS A total of 10 studies with 165276 children and adolescents were included in this study.LBCAs had significantly higher rates of NSSI compared with non-LBCAs(OR=1.33,95%CI:1.19-1.49),with high heterogeneity observed(I2=77%,P<0.001).Further sensitivity analyses were consistent with the primary analysis(OR=1.29,95%CI:1.21-1.39,I2=0%).CONCLUSION LBCAs are found to be at an increased risk of NSSI compared with children and adolescents of non-migrants.More attention and intervention are urgently needed for LBCAs,especially those living in developing countries.
基金funded by the 2023Laibin City Philosophy and Social Science Research Project(No.2023LBZS035)2024Guangxi Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program Project(No.S202411546046X)2025 Research Project of Guangxi Science&Technology Normal University(No.GXKS2025YB020).
摘要Objectives:Suicidal ideation is a strong predictor of suicide deaths,which refers to the consideration or desire to give up one's own life.Left-behind children in rural China are more vulnerable to psychological problems and suicidal ideation compared to their non-left-behind peers.The aim of the current study was to examine two potential protective factors,negotiable fate belief and coping self-efficacy,and to test the mediating role of coping self-efficacy in the relationship between negotiable fate belief and suicidal ideation.We also analyzed gender differences in this mediation model.Methods:Across-sectional survey was conducted in rural areas ofChina.A sample of 526 left-behind children(285 males,54.18%;241 females,45.82%;Meanage=13.29 years,SD=0.97 years)was recruited to complete the Negotiable Fate Belief Scale,Coping Self-Efficacy Scale,and the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation Inventory-Negative Scale.We used structural equation modeling to test the mediation model and multigroup analysis to test the moderation effect of gender.Results:Negotiable fate belief is negatively correlated with suicidal ideation(r=-0.13,p<0.01).Moreover,coping self-efficacy mediates the relationship between negotiable fate belief and suicidal ideation(β=-0.06,95%confidence interval(CI)[-0.12,-0.02]),accounting for 35.29%of the total effect.Finally,the mediating effect of coping self-efficacy was found to be significant only for female left-behind children(male:95%CI[-0.09,0.07];female:95%CI[-0.16,-0.01]).For female left-behind children,the mediating effect was complete,with a coefficient of-0.06,accounting for 85.71%of the total effect.Conclusions:The relationship between negotiable fate belief and suicidal ideation among rural left-behind children is mediated by coping self-efficacy,and this mediation effect was moderated by gender.This study provides a theoretical explanation for how cultivating the belief in negotiable fate and coping self-efficacy is effective for reducing suicidal ideation of rural left-behind children.
摘要“When you have 61 million children who cannot relate to their parents,it is very traumatizing for a society”,said Sanna Johnson,Executive Director of the Center for Child Rights(CCR)and Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR).However,this is the stark reality for approximately 69 million children in China who have been left behind in rural villages while their parents migrate to cities in search of work.
基金conducted under the framework of the Sino-German “SURUMER Project” funded by the Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft, Technologie und Forschung (BMBF 01LL0919)+1 种基金supported by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2017M620536)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (71742002, 71673008, and 71761137002)
摘要While migration is widely recognized as a valid option for improving farmers’ income, the welfare effects of migration on left-behind family members are ambiguous. This study examines the impacts of migration on left-behind family members’ food consumption and nutrient intake, particularly in remote rural areas in China. Based on household survey data collected from 611 smallholder rubber farmers in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture of southwestern China, the empirical results suggest that the migration of family members contributes to improving household net income, whereas it negatively affects left-behind family members’ consumption of grain and pork. Migration also leads to a decrease in left-behind family members’ nutrient intake. Surprisingly, the economic returns of farmers’ migration not only do not foster the transformation of household food consumption from a staple food-dominated dietary structure to one including more meat and dairy products but also reduce left-behind family members’ nutrient intake. This study adds to the literature on the impact of farmers’ migration. The findings have important implications for better understanding the impacts of migration on farmers’ livelihood and human capital development in rural China.
基金National“Twelfth Five-Year”Science and Technology Support Program(No.2012BAI01B02)Research on prevention and control of major chronic non-communicable diseases in the Ministry of Science and Technology(No.2016YFC1306100).
摘要Objective:To investigate the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems and related factors of left-behind children in impoverished rural China(mainly in thefirst grade of junior high school).Methods:A cross-sectional survey of rural households in 27 poverty-stricken counties in 12 provinces across China was conducted using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire(SDQ).Results:The prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems in left-behind children was 11.7%,and that of non-left-behind children was 8.9%.There was statistical difference between the two groups(P<0.01).There are no differences between the two groups in terms of the various factors of SDQ.The incidence of insomnia in the left-behind group was 58.3%,which was higher than that in the non-left-behind group 50.9%(P<0.01);loneliness(62.1%vs.51.8%,P<0.01);running away from home(23.1%vs.18.8%,P<0.01),and self-injury behavior(16.8%vs.12.2%,P<0.01).Left-behind children are more likely to have negative psychological feelings including insomnia,loneliness,self-injury,and run away from home.They also experienced more bullying including maliciously teased by peers,intentionally excluded or isolated,physically threatened or intimidated.All of these factors are associated with their abnormal emotional and behavioural development.Conclusion:The incidence of emotional and behavioral problems of left-behind children in rural areas in poverty-stricken areas is significantly higher than that of non-left-behind children;Logistic regression analysis showed that bullying behavior and abnormal psychological characteristics are significantly associated with left-behind adolescents abnormal emotional and behavioral development.
基金supported by the National Social Science Fund of China(17BTY043).
摘要Background:The mental health of left-behind rural children of China has become a prominent social problem.At the same time,psychological capital has become a positive psychological resource to promote personal growth.However,the relationship between psychological capital and mental health of left-behind rural children has not been explored.Method:A total of 332 left-behind rural children were investigated using a questionnaire of psychological capital and mental health scale.The psychological capital status of left-behind rural children and its impact on mental health were analyzed.Results:(1)Left-behind rural children were found to have a psychological capital score of was 3.16±0.56;Gender,age,grade,and school style had no significant effect on psychological capital.(2)Left-behind rural children obtained a mental health score of 2.21±0.5 G and gender,age,grade,and school style had no significant effect on mental health.(3)A significant negative correlation is found between psychological capital and mental health scores of left-behind rural children.Regression analysis shows that psychological capital is negatively correlated with mental health scores.Conclusion:The psychological capital of left-behind rural children can positively predict their mental health,and thus developing the former can promote the latter.
基金the Talent Cultivation Project of Central Support for Reform and Development Funds for Local Universities in Heilongjiang Provincial Undergraduate Colleges in 2021 and the Social Science Fund Project of Qiqihar Medical College(QYSKL2022-03ZD).
摘要Social anxiety is a common psychological problem among left-behind children(LBC)and has been a popular issue in recent years.Children with higher levels of social anxiety have more emotional and behavioral problems and are prone to negative life events.Although several studies have explored the differences in social anxiety between LBC and non-left-behind children(N-LBC),the findings have not been consistent.In this study,a systematic review and meta-analysis method was used,with 411 papers retrieved on October 01,2023,from Pubmed,Embase,Web of Science,and Chinese databases(CNKI,VIP,and Wanfang)(PROSPERO registry number:CRD42023472463).Twenty-one studies met the research criteria and included 11,254 LBC and 13,096 N-LBC.LBC scored significantly higher for social anxiety([WMD(95%CI):0.35[0.23,0.48],p<0.001])and social avoidance and distress([WMD(95%CI):0.35[0.23,0.48],p<0.001]).Subgroup analyses showed significant differences in effect sizes for the overall proportion of children left behind(p=0.02).In addition,different types of parental migration may influence the social anxiety of LBC,double-parent migration was associated higher social anxiety than father migration(p<0.001).Future research should focus on treatments to decrease social anxiety of left-behind children.These findings suggest that due to the long-term absence of parental migration,LBC are more vulnerable to negative emotional experiences and behaviours such as anxiety,distress,and avoidance during social interaction,especially for those with both parents absent from the home.Future research should focus on treatments to reduce social anxiety in LBC.
基金financial support from the Overseas Expertise Introduction Project for Discipline Innovation (B16031)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (71703084)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2017CSZ021)
摘要This study investigates the impact of parental labor migration on the academic achievements and non-academic growth of left-behind children in fourth and seventh grades. Employing survey data collected from rural China in 2014, 2015, and 2016, we examine the effect of parental absence on children's academic achievement using Propensity Score Matching(PSM) and Difference in Difference(DID) methods. The results demonstrate that left-behind children whose parents have migrated for one year have statistically significantly lower academic scores. Academic scores drop lower for fourthgrade students and students from higher-income families. There are also adverse effects on left-behind children's confidence, teacher-student relationships, subjective well-being, and educational expectations if parents migrate for one year. Surprisingly, if parental migration lasts longer(totaling two years), these adverse effects disappear, and student's educational expectations even improve. These results may be because, over time, the adverse effects that occur immediately after parental migration are offset by the positive effects of migration(i.e. higher income). These conclusions can inform migrant parents on ways to utilize their resources to improve the academic performance of their left-behind children.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [81172680]
摘要Left-behind children comprise a special population inChinese rural areas. According to the 2007 China Census,the number ofleft-behind children aged≤14 years was estimated at 58 million which suggested that these childrencon stituted a
基金This study was supported by The National Social Science Fund of China(17BTY043).
摘要It has been confirmed in previous studies that there is a positive correlation between physical activity and hope.In this study,rural left-behind children in China was taken as the participants to investigate the impact of physical activity on hope in rural left-behind children and examine the mediating role of perceived social support in the relationship between physical activity and hope.797 valid copies of the questionnaire were collected from China.Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the relationship between physical activity and hope;SEM and Bootstrap were used to test the mediating effect of perceived social support.The results show that physical activity can not only directly and positively predict the level of hope in rural leftbehind children but can also predict the level of hope through perceived social support;perceived social support plays a mediating role in the relationship between physical activity and hope.These results highlight the necessity to pay more attention to the physical activity of left-behind children and the possibility to improve the level of hope by increasing their physical activity;at the same time,the acquisition of more material,emotional and psychological support from teachers and guardians is more conducive to improving the sense of hope in left-behind children.These findings can deepen the understanding of the sense of hope in left-behind children,and provide new methods for and enlightenments on improving the level of hope in left-behind children.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31800929)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.2020NTSS42).
摘要Left-behind experience refers to the experience of children staying behind in their hometown under the care of only one parent or their relatives while one or both of their parents leave to work in other places.College students with left-behind experience showed higher aggression levels.To further explore the relationship between left-behind experience and aggression,the current study categorized left-behind experience using latent class analysis and explored its relationship with aggression.One thousand twenty-eight Chinese college students with left-behind experience were recruited,and their aggression levels were assessed.The results showed that there were four categories of left-behind experience:“starting from preschool,frequent contact”(35.5%),“less than 10 years in duration,limited contact”(27.0%),“starting from preschool,over 10 years in duration,limited contact”(10.9%),and“starting from school age,frequent contact”(26.6%).Overall,college students who reported frequent contact with their parents during the left-behind period showed lower levels of aggression than others did.Females were less aggressive than males in the“starting from preschool,frequent contact”left-behind situation,while males were less aggressive than females in the“starting from school age,frequent contact”situation.Thesefindings indicate that frequent contact with leaving parents contributes to decreasing aggression of college students with left-behind experience.Meanwhile,gender is an important factor in this relationship.
摘要Objective:To investigate the loneliness and psychological resilience with the perceived social support of the left-behind elderly in rural areas and explore the moderating effect of psychological resilience on the understanding of social support and loneliness of the left-behind elderly in rural areas.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted;272 left-behind elderly people in 6 rural villages in the Sichuan Province were investigated by using the General Situation Questionnaire,Perceived Social Support Scale(PSSS),Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC),and the University of California at Los Angeles Loneliness Scale(UCLA)with a stratified random cluster sampling method.Results:The loneliness score of the left-behind elderly in rural areas was 52.54±7.25,the psychological resilience score was 78(68.87),and the perceived social support score was 57(51.62).The perceived social support and psychological resilience were negatively correlated with loneliness,while the perceived social support was positively correlated with psychological resilience.The moderating effect of psychological resilience on the perceived social support and loneliness of the left-behind elderly in rural areas was−0.102(P<0.001).Conclusions:Higher level resilience is of positive significance to alleviate the negative effect of social support on loneliness.Improving the resilience of the left-behind elderly in rural areas is a beneficial exploration to promote their mental health.
摘要Since the 1990s, the large-scale migrant labor force from rural to urban areas has made great contributions to the growth in China. However, migration does not come without costs. The potential impacts of parental migration on the left-behind children have aroused wide concerns. Based on a two-wave panel dataset of nearly 10 thousand students in 166 schools from 13 counties in 5 provinces between 2014 and 2015, differences-in-differences (DID) and propensity score matching plus DID (PSMDID) approaches were used to examine the changes in academic performances before and after the parental out-migration. The results indicated that the mother only migration has a significant negative impact on the a- cademic performances of left-behind children, and it was especially true when the mother only migration lasted more than a semester. For left-behind children whose parents were out or only the father was out, their academic performances were not affected.
摘要Objective:To explore the time management tendency of left-behind adolescents,compare the differences of time management of left-behind.Methods:The questionnaire studies the adolescents students of major labor.Results:Left-behind adolescents are tend to form bad time management tendency(t4.24,p>0.05);16-year-old time is a critical period of forming social value of time management(F>4.24,p>0.05),the grade(F(2,331)=3.74,p=0.03),and whether the only child(t=2.26,p=0.03)has priority to the impact of time management;the children’s age when their parents left.The left period of their parents,the parents who go out,and the visit interval all these factors affect the adolescents’time management tendency(R2>0.21,p<0.001).
摘要In this study, the relationship between social anxiety, coping style and loneliness amongst left-behind children was investigated. The participants were 773 left-behind children recruited from 8 junior middle schools in rural areas of Zhejiang Province in China who completed the Social Anxiety Scale for Children, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire and Children’s Loneliness Scale. Results show that there was a moderate correlation between social anxiety and loneliness, and these variables had a significant negative relationship with positive coping style and a significant positive relationship with negative coping style. Furthermore, the left-behind children’s social anxiety, coping style and loneliness were different within specific demographic groups, such as gender, only child status and different type of parental work. Also negative coping style moderated the association between loneliness and social anxiety, so that children who were more likely to use negative coping strategies showed a stronger relationship between social anxiety and loneliness. Finally, the left-behind children’s social anxiety not only directly predicted their loneliness, but also had an indirect effect mediated by their copying style.
基金The IIHMR University Ph.D.fellowship was received to conduct this study。
摘要Objective:To analyze the sociological support system available for left-behind wives of male outmigrants and develop a model that predicts the antenatal care(ANC)services utilization.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in rural regions of the Patna district,India.The sample size(n=328)was estimated using Cochran’s formula.Five parameters of the social support system were identified(autonomy,spousal support,family support,social circle support,and government support).The score for each was calculated as a composite score using multiple variables;these served as independent variables.The respondents were categorized as efficient and non-efficient users of ANC service based on established criteria.Results:The regression results showed that four out of five social parameters had a significant effect on ANC behavior.Spousal support was the strongest predictor(standardized regression coefficient β=0.57,OR 1.16,95%CI 1.08-1.79,P=0.007).Government support was found to be the second strongest predictor(β=0.40,OR 1.49,95%CI 1.04-2.14,P=0.027),followed by family support(β=0.31,OR 1.36,95%CI 1.23-2.57,P=0.034)and autonomy(β=0.11,OR 1.32,95%CI 1.11-2.26,P=0.030).The social circle support was found to be non-significant in predicting ANC behavior(P>0.05).Conclusions:The policymakers could focus on the identified predictors to strengthen and modify the existing policies for leftbehind wives of male outmigrants.The need of the hour is a strategic intervention for behavioral modification of not only the left-behind wives but also their family members along with reinforcement of the existing social-security net.One strategy we suggest is to launch an awareness campaign focusing on husbands(male outmigrants)and family members.
摘要A survey carried out among 286 left-behind children in a middle school through the lens of L2 Motivational Self System presents that although left-behind children possess low level of English learning motivation,they are favorably disposed towards studying English.Among the three dimensions of L2 Motivational Self System in this survey,L2 Learning Experience influences English learning motivation of left-behind children most and Ideal L2 Self with Ought-to L2 Self ranks the second in affecting their motivation.Practicalimplications are also provided.
摘要The present study is aiming to exploring the behavior status of rural left-behind children in China. In a case-control study, we used Rutter Children's Behavior Questionnaire for teacher to measure behavior status of children in left-behind group and control group. Furthermore, we also compared behavior status of children in different age groups (grades two, four and five). The results showed that rural left-behind children in China have more behavior problems than the control group, and children in the elder group have more behavior problems than children in the younger group.