Shu Cui1,2,3, Fangshuo Cheng1,2, Ling Zhang1,2, Chao Zhang4, Qiuyu Yuan1,2, Cui Huang1,2, Kai Zhang5,6, Xiaoqin Zhou7,8. 1. Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, China. 2. Anhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, China. 3. The Third People's Hospital of Fuyang, Fuyang, 236000, China. 4. Fuyang People's Hospital, Fuyang, 236000, China. 5. Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, China. zhangkai@ahmu.edu.cn. 6. Anhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, China. zhangkai@ahmu.edu.cn. 7. Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, China. zhouxqlulu@126.com. 8. Anhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, China. zhouxqlulu@126.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Negative coping strategies and behavioral problems are common among Chinese left-behind children, which are relate to a variety of negative consequences. At this stage of development, the relevant factors of coping strategies need to be further studied, in which social support and self-esteem are worthy of our attention. The aim of this study is to detect the current situation of self-esteem, social support, and coping styles of left-behind children (LBC) in rural China. METHODS: 322 children from 3 schools in China enrolled in this study, including 236 LBC and 86 non-left-behind children (NLBC) to assess self-esteem, social support and coping strategies. RESULTS: The LBC group had lower self-esteem score and lower total social support (subjective support, objective support and support-seeking behavior) than the NLBC group. In terms of coping strategies, the LBC group was lower than the NLBC group in problem-solving and rationalization. The self-esteem score in LBC was significant positive associated with the subjective support score, objective support score, problem-solving and help-seeking score. In addition, self-esteem has significant mediating effect between subjective support and problem-solving, subjective support and help-seeking, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The finding indicate that Chinese LBC's self-esteem and social support need to be improved. Given the significant correlativity between self-esteem, subjective support and coping strategy, it is necessary to promote Chinese LBC's self-esteem and social support, especially subjective support.
BACKGROUND: Negative coping strategies and behavioral problems are common among Chinese left-behind children, which are relate to a variety of negative consequences. At this stage of development, the relevant factors of coping strategies need to be further studied, in which social support and self-esteem are worthy of our attention. The aim of this study is to detect the current situation of self-esteem, social support, and coping styles of left-behind children (LBC) in rural China. METHODS: 322 children from 3 schools in China enrolled in this study, including 236 LBC and 86 non-left-behind children (NLBC) to assess self-esteem, social support and coping strategies. RESULTS: The LBC group had lower self-esteem score and lower total social support (subjective support, objective support and support-seeking behavior) than the NLBC group. In terms of coping strategies, the LBC group was lower than the NLBC group in problem-solving and rationalization. The self-esteem score in LBC was significant positive associated with the subjective support score, objective support score, problem-solving and help-seeking score. In addition, self-esteem has significant mediating effect between subjective support and problem-solving, subjective support and help-seeking, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The finding indicate that Chinese LBC's self-esteem and social support need to be improved. Given the significant correlativity between self-esteem, subjective support and coping strategy, it is necessary to promote Chinese LBC's self-esteem and social support, especially subjective support.
Entities:
Keywords:
Coping strategies; Left-behind children; Self-esteem; Social support
Authors: Steven M Southwick; Lauren Sippel; John Krystal; Dennis Charney; Linda Mayes; Robb Pietrzak Journal: World Psychiatry Date: 2016-02 Impact factor: 49.548