Mother-Child Relationships and Adjustment in Left-Behind Children in Rural China
Author Information
Author(s): Liang Ruwen, Van Leeuwen Karla, Xie Xiaochun
Primary Institution: Normal College, Jimei University, China
Hypothesis
The quality of the migrant mother–LBC relationship would be significantly higher before the separation compared to after the separation.
Conclusion
The study found that post-separation mother–child cohesion plays a mediating role in the association between pre-separation mother–child cohesion and child prosocial behavior.
Supporting Evidence
- Post-separation mother-child cohesion was significantly lower than pre-separation cohesion.
- Higher quality pre-separation relationships were linked to more positive distant mothering.
- Child prosocial behavior was positively associated with post-separation mother-child cohesion.
- Positive distant mothering was linked to fewer externalizing problems in children.
Takeaway
This study shows that even when mothers and children are apart, having a good relationship before separation can help children be kinder and behave better.
Methodology
Cross-sectional questionnaire data were collected from 185 triads, including grandparents, migrant mothers, and preschool teachers.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to social desirability in self-reported measures of mother-child relationship quality.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and the reliance on self-reported measures may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants included young left-behind children aged 3 to 6 years, their migrant mothers, and grandparents, primarily grandmothers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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