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Does social capital aid in leveling the income gradient in child mental health? A structural analysis of the left-behind and not-left-behind Chinese children
- Source :
- BMC Public Health, Vol 23, Iss 1, Pp 1-17 (2023)
- Publication Year :
- 2023
- Publisher :
- BMC, 2023.
-
Abstract
- Abstract Background Few prior studies have investigated the income gradient in child mental health from a socio-environmental perspective. In an age when child mental health problems in a rapidly changing social environment have become a worldwide issue, an understanding of the socio-environmental mechanisms of the income disparities in child mental health outcomes is imperative and cost-effective. Methods By conducting structural equation analyses with Chinese nationally representative survey data, this study explored the family income gradient in child depression and its potential socio-environmental pathways at the neighborhood, family and school levels, differentiating left-behind and not-left-behind children. Results We found a robust family income gradient in depressive symptoms. Neighborhood cohesion mitigated the income gradient in depressive symptoms by playing a suppression role. School social capital acted as a mediator. Neighborhood trust, neighborhood safety and family social capital played no significant impact. The mitigating and mediating roles of social capital components were significant among only the not-left-behind children. Conclusions To reduce income-related inequalities in child mental health in the long run, integrating policies that directly reduce poverty with policies that improve distal socio-environments is necessary.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14712458
- Volume :
- 23
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- BMC Public Health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.9eefd2bebb141e98a1faa7c87c11c03
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16264-9