Visual Analysis of Research Hotspots and Frontiers on Left-Behind Children in China Using CiteSpace (2010-2022)

Left-behind children (LBC) have become a pressing social issue in China, as these children face unique psychological and developmental challenges due to parental absence. Given the rise in attention to LBC over the past decade, it is essential to evaluate trends and emerging themes in this research domain. This study retrieves 634 papers on left-behind children (LBC) from the Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index (CSSCI) between January 1, 2010, and December 30, 2022. Utilizing CiteSpace 6.1.R6 software, it visualizes and analyzes authors, institutions, and keywords. Findings reveal a significant increase in LBC research in China over the past decade, followed by a recent decline in the last two years. Leading contributors include Zhao Jingxin, Liu Xia, Fang Xiaoyi, and Ye Jingzhong, affiliated with prominent Chinese universities. Key research areas encompass rural LBC, mental health, loneliness, psychological resilience, education, and parent-child relationships, transitioning from problem identification to problem-solving. Previous research focused on rural and migrant LBC, emphasizing mental health, education, loneliness, and academic performance. Proposed countermeasures encompass family support, psychological resilience, and parent-child attachment. Future research frontiers involve peer attachment, teacher support, and psychological capital for LBC in China.