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<p>While the economic benefits of migration are well documented, its psychological impact on family members left behind remains less clear. This study draws on longitudinal data from the China Family Panel Survey (CFPS) to examine the effect of internal migration on depressive symptoms among left-behind family members. Using individual fixed-effects instrumental variable estimation, we find that internal migration significantly increases depressive symptoms among left-behind family members. The effect is particularly pronounced among individuals without internet access. Further analysis reveals that the migration of key family members, especially the primary income earner and mothers with caregiving responsibilities, has a greater psychological toll on those remaining behind. We also identify reduced social support and increased family responsibilities as key mechanisms driving these effects. As internal migration continues to rise across developing countries, our findings offer valuable insights for mitigating its mental health consequences and improving the well-being of left-behind populations.</p>

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Psychological Shadows of Family Separation: Internal Migration and Depressive Symptoms among Left-Behind Members in Rural China

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月5日

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  • Haiyang Lu,
  • Keya Zeng,
  • Weiliang Hu

摘要

While the economic benefits of migration are well documented, its psychological impact on family members left behind remains less clear. This study draws on longitudinal data from the China Family Panel Survey (CFPS) to examine the effect of internal migration on depressive symptoms among left-behind family members. Using individual fixed-effects instrumental variable estimation, we find that internal migration significantly increases depressive symptoms among left-behind family members. The effect is particularly pronounced among individuals without internet access. Further analysis reveals that the migration of key family members, especially the primary income earner and mothers with caregiving responsibilities, has a greater psychological toll on those remaining behind. We also identify reduced social support and increased family responsibilities as key mechanisms driving these effects. As internal migration continues to rise across developing countries, our findings offer valuable insights for mitigating its mental health consequences and improving the well-being of left-behind populations.