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Parental Neglect During COVID-19 and Children’s Life Satisfaction in Rural Communities: A Moderated Mediation Model of Avoidant Attachment and Self-Compassion

Author

Listed:
  • Angyang Li

    (Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology)

  • Shuo Wang

    (Nanjing Audit University)

Abstract

Extensive studies suggested that parental neglect threatens children’s life satisfaction. However, little is known about the relationship and mechanism between parental neglect during the COVID-19 outbreak and life satisfaction, especially in rural areas. This study explores the relationship between parental neglect during COVID-19 and children’s life satisfaction in rural China. It further examines the mediating role of avoidant attachment and the moderating role of self-compassion. A random sample of 321 Chinese children (162 females, 159 males; Mage = 10.6, SD = 0.89) from rural communities completed scales of parental neglect during the COVID-19 pandemic, avoidant attachment, self-compassion, and life satisfaction. Results showed that parental neglect during the pandemic was negatively related to children’s life satisfaction. Moreover, avoidant attachment mediates the relationship. Specifically, parental neglect during COVID-19 was positively associated with avoidant attachment, which in turn was negatively associated with life satisfaction. In addition, self-compassion moderated avoidant attachment and life satisfaction. Specifically, avoidant attachment was negatively associated with life satisfaction only in the middle and high-level self-compassion groups. Interventions to increase parental love and attention to reduce avoidant attachment may help mitigate the adverse effects of parental neglect among rural children, especially during the pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Angyang Li & Shuo Wang, 2023. "Parental Neglect During COVID-19 and Children’s Life Satisfaction in Rural Communities: A Moderated Mediation Model of Avoidant Attachment and Self-Compassion," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 16(6), pages 2373-2390, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:chinre:v:16:y:2023:i:6:d:10.1007_s12187-023-10068-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s12187-023-10068-4
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