Strain, depression, and deviant behavior among left-behind and non-left-behind adolescents in China.

This article examines the applicability of general strain theory (GST) to explain deviant behavior among left-behind children (LBC) in China—children under 18 who remain in rural areas while both parents migrate to cities for work. Using survey data from 1,036 adolescents in three cities of Hubei province, the study finds that LBC have a lower overall likelihood of engaging in deviant behavior compared to non-left-behind children (NLBC), despite experiencing higher academic difficulties and depression, which indirectly increase deviance. Male and middle school students, as well as those facing parental abuse and family poverty, show greater depression and higher deviant behavior. The findings highlight complex pathways linking strain, negative emotions, and deviance among LBC, suggesting the need for targeted academic and mental health support to mitigate risks.