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Tracing the Lengthy Shadow of Migration: Childhood Left-Behind Experience and Health in Rural China

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  • Haiyang Lu

    (Institute of Western China Economic Research, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics
    Institute of Social Science, The University of Tokyo)

  • Ling Wang

    (Institute of Western China Economic Research, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics)

  • Weiliang Hu

    (Institute of Western China Economic Research, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics)

Abstract

Despite ample evidence that parental migration has a significant impact on the health of children left behind (refers to children cared for by relatives due to parents working away from home), less is known about whether and how the childhood left-behind experience (LBE) affects their health in adulthood. Using nationally representative data from the China Family Panel Studies (N = 16,549), we find that childhood LBE has a significant negative impact on the health of rural individuals in China. Specifically, compared to rural individuals without childhood left-behind experiences, those with such experiences report worse self-rated health, with a higher likelihood of health deterioration, perceived discomfort, and chronic diseases. Heterogeneity analyses demonstrate that the detrimental effect of childhood LBE on health is particularly pronounced among middle-aged above adults. Meanwhile, these effects varied significantly according to the duration, type, and timing of childhood LBE. Further investigations reveal that childhood LBE obstructs intergenerational educational mobility and amplifies the likelihood of engaging in unhealthy behaviors. These outcomes can be interpreted as potential mechanisms through which childhood LBE impacts health.

Suggested Citation

  • Haiyang Lu & Ling Wang & Weiliang Hu, 2025. "Tracing the Lengthy Shadow of Migration: Childhood Left-Behind Experience and Health in Rural China," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 18(5), pages 2057-2086, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:chinre:v:18:y:2025:i:5:d:10.1007_s12187-025-10268-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s12187-025-10268-0
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