Work

Childhood neglect, depression, and academic burnout in left-behind children in China: Understanding the roles of feelings of insecurity and self-esteem

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Childhood neglect correlates with increased levels of depression and academic burnout. However, the unique contribution and underlying mechanisms of physical and emotional neglect to depression and academic burnout among left-behind children in China remain unknown. This study examined the underlying mechanisms of physical and emotional neglect on depression and academic burnout through feelings of insecurity and self-esteem in left-behind children in China. and Settings: Participants were 1597 Chinese left-behind children ( M age = 16.81; 50.5 % boys) from senior high schools in Anhui Province, China. Participants completed a childhood trauma questionnaire, a security questionnaire, a Rosenberg self-esteem scale, a children depression scale, and a Maslach burnout inventory-human services survey in 2019. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Results showed that physical neglect was linked with depression and academic burnout through self-esteem. Emotional neglect was linked with depression and academic burnout through both feelings of insecurity and self-esteem. Our results highlighted the distinct negative influences of different types of child maltreatment and suggested potential interventions targeted at emotional and cognitive domains. • Physical and emotional neglect distinctly influence adolescent development. • Physical neglect is linked with higher levels of depression in left-behind children. • Emotional neglect is linked with more depression and academic burnout in left-behind children. • Physical and emotional neglect impact development through separate mechanisms. • Enhancing left-behind children's sense of security and self-esteem may buffer the effects of neglect.

Source: Child Protection and Practice

DOI: 10.1016/j.chipro.2025.100168

Authors: Yongyong Xu, Shanting Chen, Yingying Ye, Wen Wen, Rui Zhen, Xiao Zhou

Institutions: University of Florida, Zhejiang University, University of Chicago, Hangzhou Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,200