Subjective Well-being of Children Left Behind by Migrant Parents in Six European Countries

Abstract This paper presents a cross-national comparison of the influence parental migration on children’s subjective well-being (SWB). While studies often focus economic implications adult migration, research its effects is scarce, particularly in Europe. Data from surveys over 13,500 school children six European countries with communist legacy were analysed. These collected as part Children’s Worlds - The International Study Well-being (ISCWeB). findings reveal that left-behind generally have lower levels SWB than non-left-behind children, girls being more affected, and gap increases age. Left-behind status was also associated family satisfaction. A hierarchical logistic regression model used to explore role life satisfaction predicting high children. including weakened association between child SWB, models’ explanatory power improved. study emphasizes need for further this area better understand complex dynamics well-being, other factors. insights are essential developing targeted interventions policies support migrant sending countries.