The impact of parental migration on depression of children: new evidence from rural China

Using data from a 2017 survey in western China, we examine whether remittances received from migrant family members and household work burden play moderating roles in children's depression. We also explore the extent to which interpersonal factors (parent-child communication and parenting practices) and child's intrapersonal personality trait (assessed by self-esteem) mediate the impact of parental migration on children's depression. Results show that receipt of remittances significantly helps mitigate their depression. Regardless of children's left-behind-status, household work burden significantly increases their levels of depression. Levels of depression among children left-behind by both parents are mediated by parent-child communication, parental responsiveness, and children's self-esteem. Findings reveal significant social costs due to parental migration in terms of child development. The policy implications of our findings are discussed.