Experiences of migration, parent–child interaction, and the life satisfaction of children in Ghana and China

Abstract

This study is a pioneer effort to comparatively examine how the life satisfaction of children is influenced by their experiences of migration and by their interactions with parents in two geographical contexts: Ghana and China. It also provides evidence of how these relationships differ across gender groups in the two countries. This study uses survey data collected in 2010 and 2013 from school children and youths aged 11-20 in Ghana (N = 1,622) and China (N = 2,171), respectively. Results indicate that children (a) who previously migrated but returned and currently live with both parents and (b) who currently stay behind and have no previous migration experience are generally less likely to be satisfied with life. On the other hand, greater resilience in the outcome is associated with emotional support from parents. Also, there is suggestive evidence that Chinese girls are more vulnerable to the effects of parental migration and of being, at one point of life, migrant themselves. This evidence is not replicated among Chinese boys. In Ghana, girls of migrant parents without a personal migration experience and boys in non-migrant families who returned from abroad show some degree of vulnerability when assessing their life satisfaction. These findings add nuance to a field of research that has yet to conceptualise the complexity of children's experiences with migration and the way this complexity associates with child well-being.

Personal psychological resources mediate parent–child relationship and mental health among left‐behind children

“…In the context of this study, LBC who have experienced sustained quality parenting and care, frequent communication, stable economic and financial support, and ample provisions for academic endeavors from the migrating parent(s) tend to generate PPRs. These findings resonate with several studies showing that LBC who feel cared for and connected to their migrating parent(s) despite the large geographic distance are able to have greater understanding of parental migration (Dreby, ; Parreñas, 2003; Q. Wu & Cebotari, ), better emotional adjustment, and higher life satisfaction (Song et al, ; Valtolina & Colombo, ; Q. Wu et al, ). Alternatively, when LBC are deprived of or have received fewer family resources manifested through termination of attachment bonds, unpleasant shifts in caregiving arrangements, abandonment, and neglect, they are likely to deplete their PPRs.…”

“…In the context of LBC, the development of children's well‐being lies mainly on the family dynamics amidst parental migration (Mazzucato et al, ; Song, Ma, Gu, & Zuo, ; Valtolina & Colombo, ). The sustained quality parent–child relationship and emotional contact between the migrant parent(s) and children, combined with support from the left‐behind family members, help promote positive psychological adjustment (Graham & Jordan, 2011; Mazzucato & Cebotari, ; Q. Wu & Cebotari, ). Children who feel cared for and connected to their parent(s) despite the large geographic distance are able to have greater understanding of parental migration (Dreby, ; Parreñas, ; Q. Wu & Cebotari, ) and are likely to become more confident, socially adjusted, and satisfied with their lives (X.…”

“…The sustained quality parent–child relationship and emotional contact between the migrant parent(s) and children, combined with support from the left‐behind family members, help promote positive psychological adjustment (Graham & Jordan, 2011; Mazzucato & Cebotari, ; Q. Wu & Cebotari, ). Children who feel cared for and connected to their parent(s) despite the large geographic distance are able to have greater understanding of parental migration (Dreby, ; Parreñas, ; Q. Wu & Cebotari, ) and are likely to become more confident, socially adjusted, and satisfied with their lives (X. Fan, Fang, Zhang, Chen, & Huang, ; Graham & Jordan, 2011; He et al, ; Parreñas, ; Song et al, ; Valtolina & Colombo, ; Q. Wu & Cebotari, ; Q. Wu et al, ).…”

The impact of parental labour migration on left‐behind children's educational and psychosocial outcomes: Evidence from Romania

“…Conversely, a positive effect of paternal migration on the school achievement of girls was found by Antman (2012) and Hanson and Woodruff (2003). However, the absence of parents working abroad was felt most strongly on an emotional level for girls rather than boys (Graham & Jordan, 2011;Liu et al, 2009;Vanore et al, 2015;Wu & Cebotari, 2018).…”

Effects of Parental Migration on Life Satisfaction and Academic Achievement of Left-Behind Children in Rural China—A Case Study in Hubei Province

“…In many villages, female students drop out of school because their families cannot afford the school expenses for both girls and boys [ 34 ]. Girls may suffer more mental challenges during parental migration, and they hope for more parent-child interaction, especially when they are young [ 35 ]. Therefore, sex-specific abortions remain extremely in villages, and boys are regarded as superior to girls, which may enhance the negative effects of paternal absence on left-behind girls.…”