No abstract

There is limited evidence on the time-varying effects of migration on the psychological well-being of children who stay behind in African contexts. This study is the first to employ panel data to examine this nexus in the context of Ghana. Data were collected in 2013, 2014, and 2015 from school-going children in the age group of 12-21 years. Using children’s self-reports, an analysis was conducted separately for boys (N=781) and girls (N=705). Results indicate that girls and boys with the mother away internally or internationally are equally or more likely to have higher levels of psychological well-being when compared to boys and girls of nonmigrants. Higher level of well-being is observed amongst girls when parents migrate and divorce. However, parental migration and divorce is more likely to increase the psychological vulnerability of boys. In Ghana, the psychological well-being of children is nuanced by which parent has migrated, marital status of migrant parent, and the gender of the child.

Objectives: Breastfeeding mothers report experiencing a wide range of emotions. This variation may be more pronounced between daytime and nighttime breastfeeding sessions due to circadian time point and sleep deprivation. External factors, including social support, may further contribute to the emotions of a breastfeeding mother. This study aimed to investigate the emotional experience of breastfeeding mothers; to compare the differences in their emotions during the daytime compared to the nighttime; and to assess the associations between sleep duration prior to nighttime breastfeeding session, perceived social support and affective states while breastfeeding. Design: Breastfeeding mothers completed general, daytime (12am-3pm) and nighttime (12am-3am) online surveys. Setting/Participants: Between August 2020 and July 2021, 107 breastfeeding women completed all three surveys.Measurements: Emotional experiences were measured by the Discrete Emotions Questionnaire; sleep duration and emotions were reported as free text; and perceived support levels from family members were measured on a 9-point Likert-type scale.Results: Mothers reported a more positive emotional experience during the daytime breastfeeding session compared to the nighttime. Mothers felt more easygoing, happy, chilled out, satisfied, enjoyment and liking during the daytime; however, nighttime breastfeeding sessions were associated with stronger feelings of anger and madness. Mothers who got more sleep prior to the nighttime breastfeeding session reported a more positive nighttime experience. Stronger support levels were associated with more positive emotions and less negative emotions while breastfeeding.Conclusions: Results support a variation in the emotional tone of breastfeeding mothers at different points in the circadian period and highlight the importance of sleep and social support.