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Psychological well-being of adolescents in Pokhara, Nepal: A comparison between migrated and non-migrated parents

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: With the increasing trend of international migration in Nepal, there is a growing concern about the psychological well-being of left-behind adolescents. This study aimed to assess psychological well-being and identify factors associated with psychological well-being among adolescents of migrated and non-migrated parents in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal. METHODS: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 724 adolescents in the Pokhara Metropolitan. Adolescents were recruited through stratified random sampling. Socio-demographic, interpersonal, and migration-related factors were assessed. The pre-tested "Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire" was used to measure the psychological well-being of the participants. RESULTS: The parents' migration status did not significantly affect the overall psychological well-being of adolescents in the study. However, females, relatively advantaged ethnic groups, non-Hindus, and those studying in private schools had significantly higher difficulty scores (p < 0.05). Higher levels of social support, especially from family, relatives, and teachers, and participation in extracurricular activities were associated with better psychological well-being (p < 0.05). Exposure to violence, feeling unsafe in the family, witnessing frightening behaviors due to substance use, and mistreatment by siblings were associated with poorer psychological well-being. More frequent and prolonged duration communication with migrated parents and discussion of life difficulties during communication were associated with better psychological outcomes in adolescents with migrated parents. CONCLUSIONS: The study found no significant difference in adolescents' psychological well-being between migrated and non-migrated parents. However, various socio-demographic, interpersonal and migration-related factors play a role in shaping adolescents' psychological well-being. The findings highlight the importance of social support, a safe family environment, and effective communication with migrated parents for the psychological well-being of left-behind adolescents in Nepal.

Source: PLOS mental health.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000102