Discrimination Experiences of Orphans and Left-Behind Children in China as Predictors of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Abstract

Background: Suicide has been recognized as a serious problem in orphans and left-behind children. It is important to examine the differences in the factors affecting suicidal thoughts and behaviors between the two groups. Aims: To compare the lifetime rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors between orphans, left-behind children, and other children, and to assess the impact of discrimination experiences and the mediating role of self-esteem. Methods: A total of 2,413 children from middle schools in China completed standardized anonymous questionnaires that assessed child type, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, discrimination experiences, and self-esteem. Data analysis employed χ2 test, Pearson correlation test, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: Left-behind children had a significantly higher lifetime rates of suicidal ideation than orphans and other children (χ2 = 9.35, p < .05). Discrimination experiences significantly and positively predicted suicidal thoughts and behaviors through the mediating effect of self-esteem in orphaned children, and there was no self-esteem mediating effect found for left-behind children. Discrimination experiences had a greater impact on suicidal thoughts and behaviors for orphans than for left-behind children. Limitations: Cross-sectional studies based on self-report might lead to biased results and mean that causality cannot be inferred. Conclusions: Attention should be paid to suicidal thoughts and behaviors among vulnerable groups, especially left-behind children. Reducing discrimination and improving orphans’ self-esteem can be considered as targets of prevention and intervention for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Parental Migration and the Social and Mental Well-Being Challenges among Indonesian Left-Behind Children: A Qualitative Study

“…To our knowledge, this study marks the first qualitative exploration of how parental migration and its associated factors affect the social and mental well-being of LBC in Indonesia. Parental labour migration or the absence of one or both parents in LBC’s lives has negative social consequences, including stigma and discrimination against them, which have been associated with increased stress, depression, and suicidal ideation and behaviours among them [ 46 , 47 , 48 ]. Our findings echo these social consequences, highlighting the negative impact of one or both parents’ migration on LBC’s social well-being reflected in withdrawal from or broken social relationships with peers.…”

Association between life satisfaction, problem behaviours and psychological distress in orphaned adolescents: Exploring gender and orphanhood type discrepancies

“…A meta‐analysis study showed that the incidence of severe mental health status of left‐behind children in China was higher than that of the non‐left‐behind group (Wu et al, 2019). Additionally, one study comparing orphans and left‐behind adolescents revealed that left‐behind adolescents had even higher suicidal ideation than orphans (Guo & Li, 2023).…”