Search

Background Adolescent mental health is a global public health concern and parental migration has been identified as a risk factor. However, the effect mechanism remained unclear. Methods A total of 2,737 participants (mean = 11.93, SD = 1.23) were recruited from twelve schools in migrant-sending areas in Zhejiang and Anhui provinces. The participants responded to items in Child Depression Inventory, Parent–Adolescent Communication Scale, Olweus Bully or Victim Questionnaire and socio-demographic questions. Serial multiple mediation models were analysed using the bootstrapping method. Results Current and previous left-behind (LB) experience were significantly associated with higher risks of depression, non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal ideation (p < 0.05). Mother–adolescent communication and school bullying victimisation, in serial order, mediated the effect of current LB status on mental health (p < 0.05). In terms of previously LB adolescents, parent–adolescent communication was a standalone mediator (p < 0.01) and the serial mediation effect of parent–adolescent communication and school bullying victimisation was significant. Conclusions Lack of parent–adolescent communication and school bullying victimisation acted as risk factors for the negative effect of LB status or experience on adolescent mental health. The importance of these two interpersonal factors motivates future intervention initiatives to support the mental health of LB adolescents from an integrated perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the quality of life of Chinese migrant children and to explore whether social capital mediates the relationship between a child's migration status and quality of life. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a district of Shanghai, China. Based on a sample consists of 1,577 Chinese children in fourth to sixth grade, we used multivariable linear regression to examine the associations and mechanisms among migration, social capital and quality of life. Migrant children reported lower scores for quality of life than their urban counterparts. However, we identified higher levels of neighbourhood social cohesion, trust in their school and neighbourhood, and higher level of maternal autonomy support can mediate the damaging effects of migration status on quality of life. The results indicate that hukou restrictions put migrant children at a disadvantageous position and negatively affect their quality of life. While their migration status is unlikely to change soon, we found that higher levels of certain social capital can alleviate the negative effects of migration status on children's quality of life, and thus can be utilised for welfare programme design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]