The social-emotional consequences of child neglect: Exploring the interpersonal and psychological pathways

Child neglect is a prevalent issue that has long-lasting effects on children’s social-emotional development. However, the mechanisms linking neglect to developmental outcomes remain underexplored. This study explores the impact of child neglect on adolescents’ social-emotional development, focusing on the mediating roles of peer relationships and psychological distress. A sample of 1043 children in China was surveyed using self-report questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was applied to assess the direct and indirect effects of neglect on social-emotional outcomes. Results show that neglect is significantly linked to poorer social-emotional development, with peer relationships and psychological distress serving as key mediators. Additionally, Hukou status was found to moderate the path between neglect and psychological distress, with urban children showing a stronger effect compared to their rural counterparts. These findings highlight the importance of addressing peer attachment and mental health in interventions for neglected children and suggest implications for child welfare policies, especially in diverse regional contexts.