The Impact of Parent-Child Interaction on Positive Development Among Rural Left-behind Children: The Mediating Effect of Self-concept

Objective: This study examined the relationships among parent-child interaction, self-concept, and positive development in rural left-behind children. A sample of 463 rural left-behind children was assessed using the Parent- Child Interaction Questionnaire, the Self-Concept Questionnaire, and the Chinese version of the Brief Positive Youth Development Scale. Results: (1) Correlation analysis indicated significant positive correlations among parent-child interaction, self-concept, and positive development in rural left-behind children. (2) Self-concept partially mediated the relationship between parent-child interaction and positive development in rural left-behind children. Conclusion: Parent-child interaction not only directly influences positive development but also exerts an indirect effect through selfconcept, demonstrating a partial mediating role.