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Lin K, Mak L, Cai J, Jiang S, Fayyaz N, Broadley S, Sun J. Urbanisation and mental health in left-behind children: systematic review and meta-analysis using resilience framework. Pediatr Res 2025:10.1038/s41390-025-03894-5. [PMID: 39910352 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-025-03894-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2024] [Revised: 11/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2025] [Indexed: 02/07/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged parental separation at young ages has significant adverse effects on development in left-behind-children (LBC). We aimed to compare mental health status, emotional and behavioural problems, and their association with socioemotional development between LBC and their counterparts. METHODS Cross-sectional studies comparing LBC and non-LBC published from 2000 onwards were searched. Primary outcomes included depression, anxiety emotional and behavioural problems. Secondary outcomes included loneliness, self-harm, suicide, and risk-related behaviours. Quality of all included articles was assessed by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal. Data was analyzed by random model-based effect method. RESULTS 78 observational studies comprising of 394,308 children aged 2-18 were included. Compared to NLBC, LBC had significantly more depression, anxiety, emotional and behavioural problems, conduct problems, self-harm, loneliness, peer bullying, attempts of smoking and alcohol consumption. Subgroup analyses found that younger LBC between the ages of 6 to 12 were at greater risks of poor mental health, emotional and behavioural problems. CONCLUSION Absent parental care prevents healthy socio-emotional development and hinder the formation of secure attachment. Poor social-emotional development leads to worse emotional resilience against psychological stressors, while LBC residing in rural areas also experience additional risk factors of low household income and poor access to mental health services. IMPACT STATEMENT Prolonged parental separation negatively influences mental health, especially in younger children between the ages 6 to 12. Poor social-emotional development in left-behind children is associated with worse emotional resilience against psychological stressors. Additional risk factors including residing in rural areas, low household income, and poor access to mental health services predisposes left-behind children to high risks of mental illness. Timely support services targeted towards strengthening resilience factor such as learning better emotional and behavioural coping strategies and improving school and peer support to address increased risk of mental health problems are required for current left-behind children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Lin
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Leona Mak
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jinxuan Cai
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen Jiang
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nawaal Fayyaz
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Simon Broadley
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Jing Sun
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Data Science Institute, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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2
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Zhou SC, Zhou Z, Tang Q, Yu P, Zou H, Liu Q, Wang XQ, Jiang J, Zhou Y, Liu L, Yang BX, Luo D. Prediction of non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents at the family level using regression methods and machine learning. J Affect Disord 2024; 352:67-75. [PMID: 38360362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a major public health issue. Family factors are significantly associated with NSSI in adolescents, while studies on forecasting NSSI at the family level are still limited. In addition to regression methods, machine learning (ML) techniques have been recommended to improve the accuracy of family-level risk prediction for NSSI. METHODS Using a dataset of 7967 students and their primary caregivers from a cross-sectional study, logistic regression model and random forest model were used to test the forecasting accuracy of NSSI predictions at the family level. Cross-validation was used to assess model prediction performance, including the area under the receiver operator curve (AUC), precision, Brier score, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. RESULTS The top three important family-related predictors within the random forest algorithm included family function (importance:42.66), family conflict (importance:42.18), and parental depression (importance:27.21). The most significant family-related risk predictors and protective predictors identified by the logistic regression model were family history of mental illness (OR:2.25) and help-seeking behaviors of mental distress from parents (OR:0.65), respectively. The AUCs of the two models, logistic regression and random forest, were 0.852 and 0.835, respectively. LIMITATIONS The key limitation is that this cross-sectional survey only enabled the authors to examine predictors that were considered to be proximal rather than distal. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the significance of family-related factors in forecasting NSSI in adolescents. Combining both conventional statistical methods and ML methods to improve risk assessment of NSSI at the family level deserves attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen Zhou
- Center for Wise Information Technology of Mental Health Nursing Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhaohe Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qi Tang
- Center for Wise Information Technology of Mental Health Nursing Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Yu
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China; Wuhan Hospital for Psychotherapy, Wuhan, China
| | - Huijing Zou
- Center for Wise Information Technology of Mental Health Nursing Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Center for Wise Information Technology of Mental Health Nursing Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Qin Wang
- Center for Wise Information Technology of Mental Health Nursing Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianmei Jiang
- The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China; Wuhan Hospital for Psychotherapy, Wuhan, China
| | - Lianzhong Liu
- Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China; Wuhan Hospital for Psychotherapy, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Xiang Yang
- Center for Wise Information Technology of Mental Health Nursing Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Dan Luo
- Center for Wise Information Technology of Mental Health Nursing Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Zhang N, Ma S, Wang P, Yao L, Kang L, Wang W, Nie Z, Chen M, Ma C, Liu Z. Psychosocial factors of insomnia in depression: a network approach. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:949. [PMID: 38104061 PMCID: PMC10725021 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05454-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insomnia symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) are common and deleterious. Childhood trauma, personality traits, interpersonal distress, and social support contribute to insomnia, but how they interact to affect insomnia remains uncertain. METHODS A total of 791 patients with MDD completed the Insomnia Severity Index, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, Interpersonal Relationship Comprehensive Diagnostic Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale-17. This study utilized network analyses to identify the central symptoms of insomnia and their associations with psychosocial factors. RESULTS Worrying about sleep was identified as the central symptom in the insomnia network, insomnia and associated personality network, insomnia and associated interpersonal disturbance network, insomnia and associated childhood trauma network, insomnia and associated social support network, and the integrated network of insomnia symptoms and associated psychosocial factors. In the networks of insomnia symptoms and individual psychosocial factors, most psychosocial factors (other than childhood trauma) were directly or indirectly related to insomnia symptoms; however, neuroticism was the only factor directly associated with insomnia symptoms before and after controlling for covariates. In the final integrated network of insomnia symptoms and psychosocial factors, neuroticism was a bridge node and mediated the relationships of social support and interpersonal disturbances with insomnia symptoms, which is clearly presented in the shortest pathways. CONCLUSIONS Worrying about sleep and neuroticism were prominent in the integrated network of insomnia symptoms and associated psychosocial factors, and the edge between them connected psychosocial factors and insomnia symptoms in MDD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Simeng Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Peilin Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Lihua Yao
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Lijun Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Zhaowen Nie
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Mianmian Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Ci Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Zhongchun Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China.
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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4
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Tan R, Guo X, Chen S, He G, Wu X. Callous-unemotional traits and externalizing problem behaviors in left-behind preschool children: the role of emotional lability/negativity and positive teacher-child relationship. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:82. [PMID: 37386597 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00633-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Callous-unemotional traits and emotional lability/negativity of young children have been regarded as the markers of externalizing problem behaviors. Based on the sensitivity to threat and affiliative reward model and the general aggression model, emotional lability/negativity may act as a mediator in the relationship between callous-unemotional traits and externalizing problem behaviors. Additionally, a positive teacher-child relationship could act as a buffer given the parental absence in left-behind children. However, these links remain unexplored in left-behind preschool children. Therefore, this study explored the link between callous-unemotional traits of left-behind preschool children and externalizing problem behaviors, as well as the mediating role of emotional lability/negativity and the moderating role of a positive teacher-child relationship. METHOD Data were collected on 525 left-behind children aged 3 to 6 years from rural kindergartens in China. Preschool teachers reported all data through an online survey platform. Moderated mediation analysis was performed to examine whether the mediated relation between callous-unemotional traits and externalizing problem behaviors was moderated by a positive teacher-child relationship. RESULTS The results showed callous-unemotional traits significantly predicted externalizing problem behaviors and lability/negativity acted as a mediator, while a positive teacher-child relationship acted as a protective factor in moderating the relationship between callous-unemotional traits and emotional lability/negativity. This study identified a moderated mediation effect among the four variables in left-behind preschool children in China. CONCLUSION The findings provide support for the advancement of theoretical foundations, and provide an avenue for further exploration to support the mental health and overall development of left-behind children during early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifeng Tan
- School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinying Guo
- School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suiqing Chen
- School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guixian He
- School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
- Luoding Secondary Vocational Technical school, Yunfu, China
| | - Xingtao Wu
- School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
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5
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Xu W, Xue S, Huang Y, Zhang X, Tang W, Kaufman MR. Childhood abuse, left-behind status and mental health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults in China. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 134:105936. [PMID: 36327763 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) young adults are at increased risk of mental distress in China. To better carry out psychological intervention, it is essential to understand unique patterns of mental distress and their association with childhood abuse/neglect, including experiencing being left behind by migrating parents. OBJECTIVE In a sample of Chinese LGB young adults, we examined: (1) associations between childhood abuse and left-behind status and mental distress; (2) latent profiles of mental distress; and (3) associations between childhood abuse and left-behind status and latent profiles of mental distress. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A sample of 630 Chinese LGB young adults aged 18-30 years was recruited to complete an online survey. METHODS Participants provided demographic information and completed validated measures of childhood abuse experience and mental distress. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify patterns of mental distress, and logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationships among these variables. RESULTS Results showed that all forms of childhood abuse and left-behind status were associated with all dimensions of adulthood mental distress. The LPA suggested a 3-group solution as optimal (no mental distress, mild mental distress, and moderate/severe mental distress). Participants who experienced any forms of childhood abuse were more likely to be members of both the mild mental distress and moderate/severe mental distress groups (all p's < 0.001). Also, participants who had left-behind status were more likely to be in the moderate/severe mental distress group (AOR = 1.61, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the need for interventions aimed at addressing childhood abuse/neglect among Chinese LGB young adults, as these experiences increase the risk for mental health issues in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjian Xu
- Department of Sociology and Psychology, School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Social Development and Risk Control Research Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Shuang Xue
- Department of Sociology and Psychology, School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxia Huang
- Department of Sociology and Psychology, School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wanjie Tang
- Center for Educational and Health Psychology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Michelle R Kaufman
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Li X, Cai J, Yang L, Zhang X, Deng W, Ni P, Zhao L, Du XD, Li T. Correlation between reduced telomere length and behavioural and emotional problems in left-behind children in a rural area in China. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 140:105732. [PMID: 35334391 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Evidence shows that being left behind experience (LBE) during childhood may increase the risks of poor psychopathological outcomes. However, it is unclear to what extent the mental health is affected by the LBE. Telomere length (TL), one of the most extensively studied biological markers of cellular ageing, provides a valuable tool for exploring the potential effects of parent-child separation on psychological problems by integrating genetic and environmental factors. In this study, a total of 613 children (mean age = 10.77, SD = 1.92) were recruited from the rural area of Deyang, Sichuan Province, China. We used a self-designed questionnaire to assess LBE, and collected psychopathological outcomes by using the Piers-Harris Children's Self-concept Scale, the Teacher's Report Form 6/18 and the Youth Self-Report 11/18. Terminal restriction fragment analysis was used to measure TL in peripheral blood leukocytes. Analyses revealed that 342 out of 613 participants (55.79%) were Left-behind children. LBE was observed to associated with shorter TL, lower self-esteem, and increased behavioural and emotional problems. The cumulative effects of LBE may be reflected by greater altered telomere homeostasis, decreased self-esteem, and worsened behavioural and emotional problems. The association of the total time of being left behind with self-esteem and behavioural and emotional problems was significantly mediated by altered telomere homeostasis, with estimated effects of 14.19%, 47.95% and 45.13%, respectively. The LBE in childhood, especially prolonged parent-child separation, increases the risk of mental health problems in childhood and adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Li
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jia Cai
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Yang
- The seventh people's hospital of Deyang, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- The seventh people's hospital of Deyang, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peiyan Ni
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liansheng Zhao
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Du
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tao Li
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou, China.
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7
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Liang X, Hao G, Xiao L, Luo S, Zhang G, Tang X, Qu P, Li R. Association Between Extraversion Personality With the Blood Pressure Level in Adolescents. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:711474. [PMID: 35310998 PMCID: PMC8927655 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.711474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The association between extraversion personality and high blood pressure (BP) has not been well-studied. This study aims to explore the association between extraversion personality and the BP level in a large sample of adolescents. METHODS As an ongoing study, 5,246 children aged 6-9 years were recruited using a stratified cluster sampling method in 2014. The extraversion personality trait, assessed by the Eysenck personality questionnaire (EPQ, answered by adolescents) in 2019, was used in the main analysis. A total of 3,407 participants were eligible and included in this analysis. RESULTS The EPQ extraversion score was negatively associated with a systolic BP, a diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in a univariate analysis. After adjusting for other covariates, high extraversion score was negatively associated with systolic BP (β = -0.026; 95% CI = -0.047, -0.004; p = 0.002). There was an interaction between regions and the extraversion score on systolic BP (P interaction = 0.037). The stratified analysis showed that, in rural areas, the extraversion score was negatively associated with systolic BP (β = -0.050; 95% CI = -0.081, -0.016; p = 0.004). However, we did find an association between the extraversion score and systolic BP in urban areas (β = 0.000; 95% CI = -0.028, 0.028; p = 0.996). Similar results were observed for the extraversion assessed by parents. CONCLUSIONS We observed that extraversion personality was negatively associated with high BP in adolescents, especially for those who were living in rural areas. Our results suggested that a comprehensive intervention should be implemented to promote psychological health in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Liang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Guang Hao
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lun Xiao
- Disease Control and Prevention Center of Jiulongpo District, Chongqing, China
| | - Shunqing Luo
- Medical General Ward of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guifang Zhang
- Plastic Surgery Department of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xian Tang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Qu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Rina Li
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
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Zhou TJ, Yuan MY, Ren HY, Xie GD, Wang GF, Su PY. Childhood Separation From Parents and Self-Harm in Adolescence: A Cross-Sectional Study in Mainland China. Front Psychol 2022; 12:645552. [PMID: 35153880 PMCID: PMC8825502 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.645552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the prevalence of self-harm among adolescents in Chinese escalates, finding out the potential risk factors associated with self-harm behaviors has aroused much attention. This study aims to explore the association between parent-child separation and series of self-harm (SH) subtypes among Chinese adolescents. We survey a total of 4,928 middle school students aged from 12 to 18 years at school. Parent-child separation was investigated from four dimensions-occurrence of parental separation, separation status, age at first separation and duration of separation. Self-harm series are deemed as five subtypes-highly lethal self-harm, less lethal self-harm with visible tissue damage, self-harm without visible tissue damage, self-harmful behaviors with latent damage and psychological self-harm. Multivariate logistic regression is used to explore the associations between parent-child separation and different subtypes of self-harm among adolescents. Paternal separation is associated with each type of self-harm whilst maternal separation is not correlated with highly lethal self-harm. Except for highly lethal self-harm, the other four subtypes of self-harm demonstrate a relation with both length of paternal separation and maternal separation with aOR ranging from 1.02 to 1.06. Individuals who suffer parental separation prior to the age of three were at a higher risk for four types of less-lethal self-harm. The association of parent-child separation with self-harm deserves our attention, and future research is needed to identify the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao-Jie Zhou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Yuan
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hao-Yang Ren
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guo-Die Xie
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Geng-Fu Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China
| | - Pu-Yu Su
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China
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9
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Li X, Coid JW, Tang W, Lv Q, Zhang Y, Yu H, Wang Q, Deng W, Zhao L, Ma X, Meng Y, Li M, Wang H, Chen T, Guo W, Li T. Sustained effects of left-behind experience during childhood on mental health in Chinese university undergraduates. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 30:1949-1957. [PMID: 33113025 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01666-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Rapid industrialization and urbanization in China have resulted in labor migrants leaving children behind. For left-behind children (LBC), disrupted parental attachment may increase the risk of psychiatric morbidity in adulthood. To investigate psychopathological consequences for university students who were LBC and to estimate the effects of one or both parents being migrants, the duration of left-behind experience, and parental absence during critical periods of growth on psychiatric morbidity. We conducted an annual survey of all freshmen at a Chinese university from 2014 to 2018. The questionnaire collected information on left-behind experiences and psychiatric morbidity using standardized self-report instruments. Regression coefficients derived from logistic regression were used to measure the associations among total time left behind, absence of one parent or both parents, age when left behind and psychopathological consequences. A total of 42,505 students were included. Students who were LBC had more psychopathology, including depression, anxiety, somatoform disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-reported suicide attempts and deliberate self-harm, than those who were not. Students for whom one or both parents were migrants showed a greater risk of psychiatric morbidity. The risk of psychiatric morbidity increased with the length of parental absence. Left-behind experience during childhood represents sustained impacts for university students into early adulthood. The higher prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in young adults who experienced the absence of one or both of their parents, especially in their early childhood, suggests that other factors besides attachment, such as protection from other risks, are important and that further research is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Li
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,West China Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Mental Health Education Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jeremy W Coid
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,West China Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Mental Health Education Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanjie Tang
- Institute of Emergency Management and Post-Disaster Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Centre for Psychological Educational and Consultation, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiuyue Lv
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,West China Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Mental Health Education Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yamin Zhang
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,West China Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Mental Health Education Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,West China Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Mental Health Education Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,West China Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Mental Health Education Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,West China Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Mental Health Education Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liansheng Zhao
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,West China Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Mental Health Education Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaohong Ma
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,West China Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Mental Health Education Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yajing Meng
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,West China Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Mental Health Education Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingli Li
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,West China Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Mental Health Education Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huiyao Wang
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,West China Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Mental Health Education Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanjun Guo
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.,West China Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Mental Health Education Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 28 Dianxin South Street, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China. .,West China Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. .,Mental Health Education Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. .,Centre for Psychological Educational and Consultation, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. .,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou, China.
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10
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Li X, Guo W, Tang W, Lv Q, Zhang Y, Yu H, Wang Q, Deng W, Zhao L, Ma X, Meng Y, Li M, Wang H, Chen T, Liu YS, Tang Z, Du XD, Greenshaw AJ, Li T. The interactions between childhood adversities and recent stress were associated with early-adulthood depression among Chinese undergraduate students. Depress Anxiety 2021; 38:961-971. [PMID: 34293226 DOI: 10.1002/da.23201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely acknowledged that childhood adversities (CAs) and recent stress are potential risk factors for adult depression. However, the mechanism(s) by which interactions of CAs with recent stress affect adult depression remain unclear. AIMS To investigate the predictive association of the interaction among CAs and recent stress with early-adult depression. METHOD We conducted an annual survey of all freshmen for the period of 2016-2018 in a Chinese comprehensive university, with a sample size of 23,206. An online questionnaire including standardized self-report instruments was used to assess sociodemographic factors, childhood experiences of left-behind (CELB), and maltreatments (CEMTs) including beating (CEB), neglect (CEN), sexual abuse (CESA), recent stress, and current depression (measured by the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire). RESULTS The correlation of Individual CAs and recent stress was significant. In addition to their significant independent/direct incremental effects, all surveyed CAs were associated with increased severity of early-adult depression, and increased frequency of clinically significant depression (CSD), through significant associations with recent stress (mediation effect). History of CEMTs including CEB, CEN, and CESA significantly increased the effects of recent stress on depression (moderation effect). CONCLUSIONS Chinese undergraduate students reported frequent history of exposure to CAs, which increased the likelihood of depression in early adulthood, not only directly but also through the increasing the likelihood (mediation effect) and impact (moderation effect) of recent stress on depression. These novel findings may help to extend our understanding of environmental determinants of depression, and to guide further research, clinical practice, and policy in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Li
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanjun Guo
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanjie Tang
- Centre for Psychological Educational and Consultation, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiuyue Lv
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yamin Zhang
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liansheng Zhao
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaohong Ma
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yajing Meng
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingli Li
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huiyao Wang
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan-Song Liu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhen Tang
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Du
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | | | - Tao Li
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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11
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Shi H, Wang Y, Li M, Tan C, Zhao C, Huang X, Dou Y, Duan X, Du Y, Wu T, Wang X, Zhang J. Impact of parent-child separation on children's social-emotional development: a cross-sectional study of left-behind children in poor rural areas of China. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:823. [PMID: 33926397 PMCID: PMC8082618 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10831-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parent-child separation is a considerable adversity for left-behind children (LBC), but there is little evidence on the association between detailed characteristics of parent-child separation and social-emotional development among LBC. This study examined the characteristics of parent-child separation and its impacts on developmental delay among under-3 LBC in poor rural China. METHODS We used data from 811 LBC surveyed in five poor counties in rural China in 2018. Detailed characteristics of their parental migration were recalled by their primary caregivers in face-to-face interviews. The children's social-emotional development was measured by using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional. Logistic regression was employed to examine the association of detailed characteristics of parent-child separation with early social-emotional problems after adjusting for the children's and primary caregivers' sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS 287 (35.4%) children were left behind by fathers and cared for by mothers (FM-MC), while 524 (64.6%) were left behind by both parents and cared for by grandparents (PM-GC). The rate of social-emotional problems among LBC was 36.8% (PM-GC vs FM-MC: 40.6% vs 29.5%; aOR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.16). For paternal migration, the medians of the child's age at the first migration and average duration per migration were 3 months (IQR: 1 to 9 months) and 4.48 months (IQR: 2.38 to 7.54 months), respectively. For maternal migration, the corresponding values were 9 months (IQR: 6 to 13 months) and 4.65 months (IQR: 2.71 to 7.62 months), respectively. On average, LBC had been separated from fathers for 72% of their life due to paternal migration and from mothers for 52% of their life due to maternal migration. No significant association was found between the detailed characteristics of paternal migration and social-emotional development among LBC, while social-emotional problems among LBC were significantly associated with the proportion of cumulative duration of maternal migration in the child's lifetime (aOR 2.83; 95% CI: 1.13 to 7.10). CONCLUSIONS LBC under 3 years had a high risk of social-emotional problems in poor rural China. Cumulative exposure to maternal migration may be detrimental to LBC's early social-emotional development. Programs are necessary to support these children as well as their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifeng Shi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Mengshi Li
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chang Tan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chunxia Zhao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaona Huang
- Section of Health, Nutrition, and Water, Environment and Sanitation, UNICEF China, 12 Sanlitun Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100600, China
| | - Yan Dou
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaoqian Duan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yufeng Du
- Institute of Epidemiology and Statistics School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Tianchen Wu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jingxu Zhang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China. .,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
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12
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Loneliness, non-suicidal self-injury, and friendship quality among Chinese left-behind adolescents: The role of parent-child cohesion. J Affect Disord 2020; 271:193-200. [PMID: 32479316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is common among left-behind adolescents and can affect their friendship quality both negatively and positively. Most studies have focused on the negative effect of loneliness on friendship. However, loneliness may also motivate adolescents to seek close connections with peers through certain ways, that is, loneliness may indirectly positively influence friendship quality, which has not been explored. To address this gap, based on the life history theory and the interpersonal function model of non-suicidal injury (NSSI), this study aimed to examine the positive impact of loneliness on friendship quality via NSSI among left-behind adolescents. Moreover, given that NSSI is a severe health concern that should be prevented, the protective role of parent-child cohesion was also examined. METHODS A two-wave dataset was used. Participants comprised 1,013 adolescents (539 left-behind and 474 non-left-behind adolescents) completed self-report surveys that addressed loneliness, NSSI, friendship quality, and parent-child cohesion. RESULTS For left-behind adolescents, loneliness could affect friendship quality not only negatively but also positively through NSSI; increased loneliness predicted more NSSI which, in turn, was associated with high friendship quality. Moreover, the moderating effect of parent-child cohesion was significant. For non-left-behind adolescents, neither the direct nor the indirect positive effect through NSSI between loneliness and friendship quality was found. LIMITATIONS All measures were based on self-reports. Cohesions with caregivers were not included. CONCLUSIONS Findings advance our understanding of the relationships between loneliness, NSSI, and friendship quality among left-behind adolescents. They provide important implications for future interventions by addressing the role of high parent-child cohesion.
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13
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Huang Y, He M, Li A, Lin Y, Zhang X, Wu K. Personality, Behavior Characteristics, and Life Quality Impact of Children with Dyslexia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041415. [PMID: 32098297 PMCID: PMC7068303 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Dyslexia is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders. Children with dyslexia usually suffer from negative, behavior personality problems, and impacted life quality. We aimed to identify family environment factors for dyslexia, and to evaluate the personality, behavior characteristics and life quality of children with dyslexia. A total of 60 children diagnosed with dyslexia and 180 normal children that were aged 7-12 who speak Chinese were recruited from four primary schools in Shantou City, China. Self-designed questionnaire, children's edition of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS), and Quality of Life scale for children and adolescents (QLSCA) were employed for investigation. Multiple logistic regressions show that antenatal training (OR = 0.36), higher household income, higher parents' educational levels, and parents engaging in white-collar jobs were negatively associated with dyslexia; while, family members also suffering from dyslexia (OR = 12.17), lower frequency of communication between parents and children, and worse parent-child relationship were positively associated with dyslexia. Children with dyslexia scored higher in psychoticism and neuroticism (p = 0.040, 0.008), but lower in extroversion and dissimulation than normal children (p = 0.025, 0.007) in the EPQ test. They tended to be more introversion (68.3% vs. 43.0%), psychoticism (25.0% vs. 13.3%), and neuroticism (46.7% vs. 18.8%) than the controls. In addition, children with dyslexia had higher scores in conduct problem, learning problem, hyperactivity, and Conners' index of hyperactivity (CIH) in CPRS test; and, lower scores of psychosocial function, physical and mental health, and satisfaction of living quality in QLSCA test (all p < 0.05). Several family environment and parenting factors were associated with children's dyslexia significantly. Children with dyslexia had the personality of psychoticism, neuroticism, introversion, and more behavioral problems. Dyslexia significantly impacted the children's quality of life. Our findings provide multiple perspectives for early intervention of dyslexia in children, particularly in family factors and the parenting environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Huang
- Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, North Taishan Road, Shantou 515065, China; (Y.H.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Meirong He
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (M.H.); (A.L.)
| | - Anna Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (M.H.); (A.L.)
| | - Yuhang Lin
- Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, North Taishan Road, Shantou 515065, China; (Y.H.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xuanzhi Zhang
- Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, North Taishan Road, Shantou 515065, China; (Y.H.); (Y.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Kusheng Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (M.H.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-754-8890-0445
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14
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Zhao J, Li Q, Wang L, Lin L, Zhang W. Latent Profile Analysis of Left-behind Adolescents' Psychosocial Adaptation in Rural China. J Youth Adolesc 2019; 48:1146-1160. [PMID: 30835034 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-019-00989-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Parental absence, a consequence of parents' rural-to-urban migration, exerts negative influences on their left-behind adolescents in rural China. Existing studies are limited by their focus on the isolated developmental outcomes of left-behind adolescents and by a dearth of work focused on naturally occurring patterns of their developmental outcomes. The present study used a person-centered approach to identify adolescents' adaptation profiles based on internalizing indicators (i.e., depressive symptoms, loneliness, subjective happiness, life satisfaction), externalizing indicators (i.e., rule-breaking behavior, aggressive behavior, prosocial behavior) and academic achievement and to relate these profiles to left-behind status, characteristics of parent-adolescent separation and gender. The study included 2102 adolescents (Mage = 13.48 ± 1.10 years, 46.8% girls) in junior high schools in rural China. A latent profile analysis identified 3 profiles: an adequate adaptation profile, an internalizing problem profile and an externalizing problem profile. These profiles were linked to left-behind status, to characteristics of parent-adolescent separation (i.e., separation duration, interval of long-distance communication and face-to-face communication) and to gender. These findings provide significant implications for future research and the development of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxin Zhao
- School of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Shandong Province, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Qianyu Li
- School of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Shandong Province, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Liwei Wang
- School of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Shandong Province, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Lingyu Lin
- School of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Shandong Province, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- School of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, No. 88 East Wenhua Road, Shandong Province, Jinan, 250014, China.
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15
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Wu W, Qu G, Wang L, Tang X, Sun YH. Meta-analysis of the mental health status of left-behind children in China. J Paediatr Child Health 2019; 55:260-270. [PMID: 30604503 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to systematically evaluate and comparatively analyse the mental health status of left-behind children (LBC) in China and to provide a scientific basis for mental intervention and healthy education for LBC. Six electronic databases were searched for studies (published from 1 January 2010 to 5 March 2018) of the mental health of LBC using the Mental Health Test scale. We only selected original articles that either reported the incidence of serious mental health status or the means and standard deviations of each factor score of the scale. The pooled rates and weighted mean difference were calculated. The results indicated that the incidence of serious mental health status of LBC is nearly 2.7 times higher than that of non-LBC. The scores for most of the factors analysed by the Mental Health Test of LBC were higher than those of non-LBC. In addition, the mental health status of left-behind girls is worse than that of left-behind boys. Except for impulsive tendency, there was no significant difference in the mental health status of LBC in primary and junior high schools. In terms of the different types of guardianship, the mental health status of LBC under a grandparent's guardianship and parental peer' guardianship is more serious than that of LBC under a single-parent guardianship. The mental health status of LBC is poor, particularly for left-behind girls. The primary mental problems faced by LBC are learning anxiety, social anxiety and physical symptoms. It is necessary to develop more targeted measures to prevent and manage LBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xue Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ye-Huan Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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16
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Song S, Chen C, Zhang A. Effects of Parental Migration on Life Satisfaction and Academic Achievement of Left-Behind Children in Rural China-A Case Study in Hubei Province. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 5:E87. [PMID: 29954132 PMCID: PMC6069392 DOI: 10.3390/children5070087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In the rural areas of China, there is a high occurrence of parental migration, wherein adults are flushed into urban areas to search for employment opportunities, leading to millions of left-behind children (LBC) in rural China. LBC attracts more attention from the social community and Chinese government. Here, we compared the life satisfaction and academic achievement of left-behind children (LBC) and non-left-behind children (NLBC) in rural regions that send out migrant labor in Hubei province, central China. We investigated 1031 LBC and 992 NLBC students in grades 4 to 9 in ten elementary and four middle schools, using a structured questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, life satisfaction, and academic achievement scores. The results showed that LBC have a lower life satisfaction and lower academic achievement than NLBC (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, as the child’s age at separation from parents decreased, their life satisfaction decreased. Additionally, correlations were observed between life satisfaction and academic achievement scores in LBC (p = 0.004) as well as in NLBC (p = 0.064). Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into a comprehensive understanding of LBC and suggest that the life satisfaction levels of LBC should be improved in rural China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan Song
- College of Education, Huanggang Normal University, Huanggang 438000, China.
| | | | - Aiguo Zhang
- Guankou Middle School, Huanggang 438000, China.
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