The Impact of Parental Migration on Emotional Health of Left Behind Children: A Study with Brazilian Immigrants in The United States

Abstract

This study conducted in the USA investigated the parental migration impact on the emotional health of Brazilian left behind children. Fifty individuals participated. The mean separation time found was 7.33 years. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and an interview were utilized. Results revealed that participants had problems in one or more of the following areas: emotional, conduct, hyperactivity and peer problems. Positive correlations were found between: prosocial and peer problems, emotional and hyperactivity, conduct and hyperactivity and, prosocial and conduct problems. Being left by the mother was proven more damaging than being left by the father or both parents. Also, girls showed more emotional problems than boys. Moreover, participants reported a range of symptoms like, anxiety disorder, eating disorder, depression, psychotic-like experiences, alcohol/drugs abuse, suicide ideation, loneliness, and low self-esteem. This research can be used as a guide for welfare policies and to design intervention programs.