Anxiety Disorders among Left-Behind Children in Rural China: A Comprehensive Literature Review

With rapid urbanization leading to mass adult migration from rural to urban areas in China, a consequential demographic group called left-behind children has emerged. Often left in the care of relatives or on their own, these children experience extended periods of parental absence associated with various mental health implications, notably anxiety disorders. This paper explores anxiety disorders of left-behind Children including depressive symptoms, the effect of COVID-19 and bullying victimization among left-behind children in rural China through literature review. Further, it examines potential interventions from the implementation of online mental health interventions, strengthening community support systems, and policy and financial interventions. Additionally, the paper points towards the potential efficacy of community-based interventions, emphasizing the importance of a multi-pronged approach. The analysis promotes a more thorough investigation into the viability and effectiveness of these interventions, opening the door to better mental health outcomes for underprivileged kids in rural China.