Peer-reviewed article

Strategies to Improve the Mental Well-being of the Left-Behind Child

Zile Liao · 30 Jun 2026

Abstract

The Left-Behind Children are unable to grow up in a safe environment, which causes some of their mental problems. The phenomenon of them has been a critical social and public health challenge in the world. This essay examines the psychological impacts of this phenomenon on the Left-behind Children, focusing on impaired parent-child attachment and the influence of “deviant” peer groups resulting from a lack of supervision. Utilizing Attachment Theory and the PERMA model of well-being, the study analyzes how the loss of security leads to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. To address these challenges, the essay proposes some intervention strategies. School-based methods include multimedia activities, Positive Psychology Interventions such as the ‘Three Good Things’ exercise and ‘Signature Strength’ to increase their contact with peers and foster a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the necessity of high-quality parent-child communication, including daily video calls and collaborative decision-making to increase the security of kids. The essay concludes that the mental well-being of LBC is really important.