Chinese Left-behind Children’s Mental Health: The Role of Family Cohesion and Sense of Security

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Sunday 9:45 am
  In Poster Session: Insights on Adolescence and Youth Development: Advancement of Research and Methodological Approaches

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigates the mental health of 11,959 Chinese left-behind children (Mage = 12.90, SD = 2.50), examining how family cohesion and sense of security contribute to their psychological well-being. While overall mental health was positive, disparities emerged across gender, grade, and parental education. Family cohesion significantly predicted better outcomes, with sense of security mediating this relationship. These findings underscore the critical role of family connectedness in adolescent development, particularly for youth growing up without daily parental presence. Educational systems worldwide can draw from this evidence to develop school-based interventions that strengthen student-family bonds, promote emotional security, and support the healthy development of youth in contexts of migration, displacement, or caregiver absence.

Author

• Jinqian Liao, Southwest University