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Social support and emotional well-being among boarders and day school students: A two-wave longitudinal study

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  • Li, Hao
  • Law, Wilbert
  • Zhang, Xiao
  • Xiao, Nan

Abstract

The present study assessed the impact of boarding school experience on the emotional well-being of primary school students and explored the associations between parent and peer support and students’ emotional well-being using a two-wave longitudinal design. The participants were 289 primary school students (45.3% boys; 55.4% boarders) from fourth to sixth grades in mainland China. Children reported parent and peer support and emotional well-being at the beginning of the first semester (Time 1) and two months later (Time 2). Results showed no significant difference in emotional well-being between boarders and day school students. Cross-lagged path models showed that peer support was positively associated with children’s later overall emotional well-being, life satisfaction, and happiness. Parent support was negatively associated with children’s later overall emotional well-being and happiness. Multi-group analysis revealed that boarders’ peer support, rather than parent support, was positively associated with emotional well-being. For day school students, parent support was negatively related to later emotional well-being, whereas peer support was positively associated with later happiness. Implications for educators, child service providers, and parents were discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Hao & Law, Wilbert & Zhang, Xiao & Xiao, Nan, 2023. "Social support and emotional well-being among boarders and day school students: A two-wave longitudinal study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:155:y:2023:i:c:s0190740923004139
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.107217
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