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Higher Income but Lower Happiness with Left-Behind Experience? A Study of Long-Term Effects for China’s Migrants

Author

Listed:
  • Xinxin Wang

    (Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics
    Zhejiang “Eight-Eight Strategy” Research Institute)

  • Shidan Xu

    (Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics)

  • Yubo Zhuo

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

  • Julian Chun-Chung Chow

    (University of California)

Abstract

Although many studies have explored the negative effects of left-behind experience on children, the theory of resilience indicates the negative effects may not necessarily happen. Based on attachment theory and resilience theory, we tried to determine the real reasons for the negative effects of the left-behind experience in the case of China’s migration. We empirically studied the impact of the left-behind experience on objective income and subjective well-being in adulthood, and further examined how the effects varied by the initial left-behind period. Results show that the left-behind experience in childhood had a continuous effect into adulthood. However, we observed that the left-behind experience was positively related to income but had a negative relationship with subjective well-being. Our results are different than many existing empirical studies but can be explained by attachment and resilience theory. Additionally, we found that the duration of the left-behind experience is not as important as the age at the onset of the left-behind experience. Our findings increase empirical support for the theory of psychological development and have implications for family decisions regarding whether to leave their children behind and for policymakers in making related policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinxin Wang & Shidan Xu & Yubo Zhuo & Julian Chun-Chung Chow, 2023. "Higher Income but Lower Happiness with Left-Behind Experience? A Study of Long-Term Effects for China’s Migrants," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 18(1), pages 411-434, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:18:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s11482-022-10092-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-022-10092-6
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