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The rural children’s loneliness and depression in Henan, China: the mediation effect of self-concept

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Abstract

Objective

This research explored the relationship among loneliness, depression and self-concept of rural children in China.

Methods

Seven hundred and twenty-four children (Mage = 9.15 years) from two rural primary schools were selected as respondents to participate in this study. Piers-Harris Children’s Self-concept Scale, Asher Loneliness Scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children were used.

Results

Of the rural children surveyed, 14.50% and 10.22%, respectively, experienced strong loneliness and severe depression, and 28.52% had low self-concept. There was a significant positive relationship of moderate level between loneliness and depression, and significant negative relationships between total self-concept and depression, and between total self-concept and loneliness. Moreover, a partial mediation role of self-concept was found in the relationship between loneliness and depression.

Conclusion

Children’s loneliness was not only directly related to depression, but also was indirectly mediated by self-concept, which demonstrated a partial mediation role in the relationship between loneliness and depression.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the study team members who generously shared their time and experience for this study. And we would also like to thank Dr. Ning Wang for her support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Center for Mental Health and Behavior Big Data, National Research Institute for Family Planning, No. 12 Dahuisi Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100081, China

    Jihong Xu

  2. Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China

    Ping Chen

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  1. Jihong Xu
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  2. Ping Chen
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Correspondence to Jihong Xu.

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Xu, J., Chen, P. The rural children’s loneliness and depression in Henan, China: the mediation effect of self-concept. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 54, 1101–1109 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-018-1636-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-018-1636-5

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