The impact of fathers' overseas employment on left-behind children in Turkey: A phenomenological exploration

IF 1.7 3区社会学 Q2 FAMILY STUDIES

Family Relations Pub Date : 2025-01-27 DOI:10.1111/fare.13146

Duygu Türker, Elif Çimşir

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Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Turkish children left behind (N = 16, age range 10–13 years) due to fathers' international work migration.

Background

International labor migration is prevalent among fathers in the rural areas of Turkey, significantly impacting the lives of left-behind children (LBC).

Method

Using a phenomenological qualitative approach, data were gathered through semistructured interviews and a focus group.

Results

Three primary themes and 10 subthemes emerged, including (a) risks associated with changes in the family system, such as parentification and neglect; (b) emotional and psychological reactions, such as grief and loss, feelings of alienation, concerns for the father's safety and well-being, and envy of peers; and (c) coping strategies and resources employed by participants, encompassing both positive and negative coping mechanisms, social support, and the quality and continuity of their relationship with their father.

Conclusion

LBC experience the impact of changes in familial structure resulting from their father's work migration, potentially leading to specific adverse circumstances such as parentification and neglect. In addition to facing the negative psychological effects of paternal absence, some of these children can effectively cope with the situation.

Implications

Addressing the potential risks of parentification, neglect, and psychological impacts at a structural level is crucial for promoting the well-being and resilience of LBC in Turkey and other countries.

Abstract Image

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目的本研究旨在探讨土耳其留守儿童（16 人，年龄在 10-13 岁之间）因父亲的国际工作移民而产生的生活经历。背景国际劳动力迁移在土耳其农村地区的父亲中十分普遍，对留守儿童（LBC）的生活产生了重大影响。方法采用现象学定性方法，通过半结构式访谈和焦点小组收集数据。结果出现了三个主要主题和十个次主题，包括：(a) 与家庭系统变化相关的风险，如父母化和忽视；(b) 情绪和心理反应，如悲伤和失落、疏离感、对父亲安全和福祉的担忧以及对同龄人的羡慕；(c) 参与者采用的应对策略和资源，包括积极和消极的应对机制、社会支持以及与父亲关系的质量和连续性。结论 LBC 经历了因父亲工作迁移而导致的家庭结构变化的影响，有可能导致特定的不利情况，如父母化和被忽视。除了要面对父亲不在身边的负面心理影响外，其中一些儿童还能有效地应对这种情况。启示在结构层面上解决父权化、忽视和心理影响的潜在风险，对于促进土耳其和其他国家的 LBC 的福祉和恢复能力至关重要。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Family Relations Multiple-

CiteScore

3.40

自引率

13.60%

发文量

164

期刊介绍： A premier, applied journal of family studies, Family Relations is mandatory reading for family scholars and all professionals who work with families, including: family practitioners, educators, marriage and family therapists, researchers, and social policy specialists. The journal"s content emphasizes family research with implications for intervention, education, and public policy, always publishing original, innovative and interdisciplinary works with specific recommendations for practice.