Place attachment buffers against the effect of perceived discrimination on psychological distress in Chinese migrant children: A two-wave longitudinal study

Abstract

Research has shown that Chinese migrant children encounter multiple stressors and adversities in their living environments, making them more vulnerable to psychological distress. The present study aimed to investigate the risky role of perceived discrimination on the development of four psychological distress symptoms (i.e., loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress), and the protective role of place attachment, utilizing a two-wave longitudinal design. A relatively large sample of Chinese adolescents participated in the study, with a total of 698 participants (Mage = 15.34 at Time 1, SDage = 0.53). The sample included both migrant children (N = 233) and non-migrant children (N = 465). Data were collected in December 2020 (Time 1) and September 2021 (Time 2). The findings revealed significant associations between perceived discrimination at Time 1 and subsequent increases in four psychological distress symptoms at Time 2, specifically among migrant children. However, these associations were nonsignificant among non-migrant children. Notably, place dependence (i.e., the functional aspect of place attachment) at Time 1 emerged as a significant protective factor for migrant children. Specifically, the positive and longitudinal associations between perceived discrimination and loneliness, depression, and anxiety became nonsignificant among migrant children who demonstrated higher levels of place dependence. The findings provide a valuable and practical contribution towards enhancing migrant children's mental health by highlighting the significance of person-place bonding, particularly in terms of place dependence, as a protective mechanism against the adverse impacts of social pressures.