Association of early parent–child separation with depression, social and academic performance in adolescence and early adulthood: a prospective cohort study

作者：Honghua Li, Kai Liu, Junsong Fei, Tongshuang Yuan, Songli Mei · 发表于：Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1186/s13034-024-00769-1 · 被引用次数：17 · 研究领域：Family Dynamics and Relationships、Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development、Attachment and Relationship Dynamics

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of parent-child separation during infancy and early childhood on depression, social relationships including parent-child and peer relationships, and academic performance during adolescence and early adulthood. METHODS: Data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) were analyzed, which included a sample of 3829 children aged 4-15 years from 25 provinces over a period of 8 years. The study examined the association between early parent-child separation and outcomes related to depression, social and academic performance, comparing outcomes between individuals with and without early separation experiences. A series of subgroup analyses were conducted to further explore these associations. RESULTS: Parent-child separation lasting 3 months or longer was found to be associated with moderate to severe levels of depression and impaired social relationships during adolescence and early adulthood, particularly among males, adolescents, urban dwellers, and those with less educated mothers. Children who experienced parent-child separation for 3 months or longer showed a positive correlation between separation duration and depression. Short-term separations under 3 months did not show this association. The duration of separation also had a negative correlation with parent-child and peer relationships, as well as academic performance. CONCLUSION: Early parent-child separation has significant adverse effects on the ment...