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Emotional and behavioral problems of Chinese left-behind children: a preliminary study

Fang Fan1, Linyan Su, Mary Kay Gill

  • 1Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|August 7, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Children left behind in China face increased behavioral and emotional problems, especially when left early or for long periods. Caregiver characteristics and teacher support significantly influence these outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Millions of children in China are left behind by migrant parents, raising concerns about their well-being.
  • Understanding the factors contributing to behavioral and emotional problems in these children is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of behavioral and emotional problems in left-behind children (LBC) in China's Hunan Province.
  • To identify correlates of these problems, including caregiver demographics, parental absence duration, and teacher involvement.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 1,274 schoolchildren in Hunan Province.
  • Utilized the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire for children and caregiver/teacher questionnaires for demographic and involvement data.

Main Results:

  • Left-behind children (LBC) exhibited higher psychopathology and lower pro-social behaviors compared to controls.
  • These differences diminished after adjusting for socioeconomic status, age, and teacher involvement, except for hyperactivity and pro-social behaviors.
  • Younger age at separation, longer separation duration, and care by non-relatives were associated with increased psychopathology.

Conclusions:

  • LBC are at elevated risk for emotional and behavioral issues, particularly under specific circumstances like early/prolonged separation and inadequate care.
  • Interventions and policies are needed to mitigate psychopathology risks and reduce the incidence of left-behind children.
Abstract

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