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The Protective Functions of Relationships, Social Support and Self-Esteem in the Life Satisfaction of Children of Migrant Workers in Shanghai, China

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel Fu Keung Wong

    (School of Nursing and Social Work, University of Melbourne, Australia, fwong@unimelb.edu.au)

  • Yingli Chang

    (Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

  • Xuesong He

    (Department of Social Work, East China University of Science and Technology, China)

  • Qiaobing Wu

    (School of Social Work, University of Southern California, USA)

Abstract

Background: At present, China has approximately 20 million migrant school-aged children accompanying their parents in relocating to the cities. However, very little is known about them. Using a resilience framework, the present study attempted to examine the psychosocial factors affecting their life satisfaction in Shanghai, China. Methods: A total of 625 migrant children were recruited from 10 schools in Shanghai through a cross-sectional survey design using multi-stage cluster sampling method. The questionnaire included measures of life satisfaction, self-esteem, social support, relationships at school and the parent—child and peer relationships. Results: Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to explore the relative effects of different relationship domains, self-esteem and social support on the life satisfaction of migrant children. The results suggested that parent—child and peer relationships significantly influenced the life satisfaction of children of migrant workers. Relationships in school did not exert such effect. Both social support and self-esteem had significant effects on the life satisfaction of migrant children. Conclusions: Relationship factors, social support and self-esteem are critical factors affecting the life satisfaction of migrant children. The findings and implications were discussed in relation to developmental and migration-related issues and the social contexts of the lives of children of migrant workers in Shanghai, China.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Fu Keung Wong & Yingli Chang & Xuesong He & Qiaobing Wu, 2010. "The Protective Functions of Relationships, Social Support and Self-Esteem in the Life Satisfaction of Children of Migrant Workers in Shanghai, China," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 56(2), pages 143-157, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:56:y:2010:i:2:p:143-157
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764009102755
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhang, Kevin Honglin & Song, Shunfeng, 2003. "Rural-urban migration and urbanization in China: Evidence from time-series and cross-section analyses," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 14(4), pages 386-400.
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    Cited by:

    1. Luxi Chen & Fang Yang, 2022. "Social Support and Loneliness among Chinese Rural-to-Urban Migrant Children: A Moderated Mediation Analysis of the Roles of Social Competence and Stress Mindset," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-15, November.
    2. Lau, Maggie & Li, Wanxin, 2011. "The extent of family and school social capital promoting positive subjective well-being among primary school children in Shenzhen, China," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(9), pages 1573-1582, September.
    3. Xiao Yu Zhuang & Daniel Fu Keung Wong, 2017. "Differential impacts of social support on mental health: A comparison study of Chinese rural-to-urban migrant adolescents and their urban counterparts in Beijing, China," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 63(1), pages 48-56, February.
    4. Ye Chen & Xinxin Yu & Aini Azeqa Ma’rof & Zeinab Zaremohzzabieh & Haslinda Abdullah & Hanina Halimatusaadiah Hamsan & Lyuci Zhang, 2022. "Social Identity, Core Self-Evaluation, School Adaptation, and Mental Health Problems in Migrant Children in China: A Chain Mediation Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-11, December.
    5. Min-Ah Lee, 2016. "Social relationships, depressive symptoms and suicidality in Korea: Examining mediating and moderating effects in men and women," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 62(1), pages 67-75, February.
    6. Şahin Kapıkıran, 2013. "Loneliness and Life Satisfaction in Turkish Early Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Self Esteem and Social Support," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 111(2), pages 617-632, April.
    7. Li, Hao & Law, Wilbert & Zhang, Xiao & Xiao, Nan, 2023. "Social support and emotional well-being among boarders and day school students: A two-wave longitudinal study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    8. Ayano Yamaguchi, 2013. "Impact of Social Capital on the Psychological Well-Being of Adolescents," International Journal of Psychological Studies, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 5(2), pages 100-100, June.

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