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How parental migration affects early social–emotional development of left-behind children in rural China: a structural equation modeling analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Huifeng Shi

    (Peking University School of Public Health)

  • Chunxia Zhao

    (UNICEF China)

  • Yan Dou

    (Peking University School of Public Health)

  • Xiaoqian Duan

    (Peking University School of Public Health)

  • Lingyan Yang

    (Dalian University of Technology)

  • Yufeng Du

    (Peking University School of Public Health)

  • Xiaona Huang

    (UNICEF China)

  • Xiaoli Wang

    (Peking University School of Public Health)

  • Jingxu Zhang

    (Peking University School of Public Health)

Abstract

Objectives This study assessed the early social–emotional development of left-behind children (LBC) in rural China and determined the mediating factors linking parental migration to LBC’s developmental outcome. Methods We used cross-sectional data of 845 LBC under 3 years old from five counties in rural China in 2018. Social–emotional problems were assessed by the ages and stages questionnaires: social–emotional. Family structure, function, and child nurturing care practices were measured to explore their roles in potential pathways of parental migration affecting early social–emotional development. Results 36.4% of LBC were identified with social–emotional problems; the rate was higher among LBC with migrant parents than those with migrant fathers (39.9% vs. 30.5%, adjusted OR: 1.40 [95% CI 1.01, 1.93]). Results of structural equation modeling reveal that caregivers’ low education and depressive symptoms, poor migrant–caregiver communication, family poverty, and no assistant caregiving weakened home parenting environment, and then contributed to LBC’s social–emotional problems. Conclusions LBC in early childhood may be at a high risk of social–emotional problems, which are primarily caused by the transition of family structure and function and consequently weakened home environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Huifeng Shi & Chunxia Zhao & Yan Dou & Xiaoqian Duan & Lingyan Yang & Yufeng Du & Xiaona Huang & Xiaoli Wang & Jingxu Zhang, 2020. "How parental migration affects early social–emotional development of left-behind children in rural China: a structural equation modeling analysis," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 65(9), pages 1711-1721, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijphth:v:65:y:2020:i:9:d:10.1007_s00038-020-01509-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s00038-020-01509-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Liu, Z. & Li, X. & Ge, X., 2009. "Left too early: The effects of age at separation from parents on Chinese rural children's symptoms of anxiety and depression," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(11), pages 2049-2054.
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    5. Sarah Reynolds & Lia Fernald & Julianna Deardorff & Jere Behrman, 2018. "Family structure and child development in Chile: A longitudinal analysis of household transitions involving fathers and grandparents," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 38(58), pages 1777-1814.
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