Effects of Labour Migration on the Psychological Well-being of Adolescent Children Left Behind in Bulilima and Mangwe Districts, Zimbabwe

Migration has become a panacea to the ever rising poverty and unemployment levels in several parts of the world. Paradoxically, despite the gains accruing from migration several negative effects on families left behind have been observed in some parts of the world. This study intended to uncover effects of parental migration on the psychological well-being of adolescent children left behind. The study was illuminated by a multi-dimensional theoretical framework encompassing bio-ecological, socio-cultural and pathway model perspectives. This phenomenological descriptive case study used focus group discussions interviews and structured interview techniques in collecting data from 18 adolescents and 16 stakeholders (6 teachers, 4 nurses and 6 caregivers) who provided rich data to authenticate contributions from adolescents who were the main participants of the study. Participants concurred that the most significant psychological effects of parental migration on adolescents left behind were more negative than positive. Data collected revealed heightened levels of depression, aggressiveness, sadness, stress, loneliness, rebellion and abuse among left behind adolescents. Although cases of negative psychological outcomes were observed across migrant households they were more pronounced in abandoned households. Practical recommendations were proposed to different players directly and indirectly involved in child care so as to inform child care practices andminimise the negative psychological effects associated with parental migration.