Navigating the Turbulent Adolescence Stage: The Role of Parental Presence and Absence in Bulilima and Mangwe Districts, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study aims to examine the psychological effects of parental labour migration on adolescent
children left behind in the Bulilima and Mangwe districts of Zimbabwe. A multi-dimensional theoretical
framework encompassing bio-ecological, socio-cultural, and pathway model perspectives is utilized to explore
the topic. The study reveals that the most significant psychological effects of parental migration on adolescents
left behind are negative, including depression, aggressiveness, sadness, stress, loneliness, rebellion, and abuse.
Data are collected from 18 adolescents and 16 stakeholders, including teachers, nurses, and caregivers, who
provided rich data to authenticate contributions from adolescents. The study proposes practical
recommendations to different players directly and indirectly involved in child care practices to minimize the
negative psychological effects associated with parental migration. Bronfenbrenner`s ecological systems theory
is used to explore how adolescence is a stage epitomized by turbulence, and systems like meso, exo, and macro
systems are involved in actors' roles in the children's well-being. Furthermore, the chrono system dimension
considers changes over time, and how they promote breakups among married couples can have potential
negative effects on children left behind's psychological well-being.