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August 17, 2025Open Access

Psychological well-being of adolescents in Pokhara, Nepal: A comparison between migrated and non-migrated parents

AKAnil KhanalPokhara University BTBipin ThapaCapital Medical University MPMuskan PudasaineeDirectorate of Health

Key Points

Adolescents in both migrated and non-migrated families showed no significant difference in psychological well-being, indicating other factors are influential.
Higher social support and extracurricular participation improved psychological outcomes among adolescents, highlighting their importance.
The study used a school-based cross-sectional approach, assessing 724 adolescents from various socio-demographic backgrounds.
The findings emphasize the need for strong family ties and communication with migrated parents to enhance well-being in left-behind adolescents.

Abstract

Background With the increasing trend of international migration in Nepal, there is a growing concern about the psychological well-being of left-behind adolescents. This study aimed to assess psychological well-being and identify factors associated with psychological well-being among adolescents of migrated and non-migrated parents in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 724 adolescents in the Pokhara Metropolitan. Adolescents were recruited through stratified random sampling. Socio-demographic, interpersonal, and migration-related factors were assessed. The pre-tested “Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire” was used to measure the psychological well-being of the participants. Results The parents’ migration status did not significantly affect the overall psychological well-being of adolescents in the study. However, females, relatively advantaged ethnic groups, non-Hindus, and those studying in private schools had significantly higher difficulty scores (p < 0.05). Higher levels of social support, especially from family, relatives, and teachers, and participation in extracurricular activities were associated with better psychological well-being (p < 0.05). Exposure to violence, feeling unsafe in the family, witnessing frightening behaviors due to substance use, and mistreatment by siblings were associated with poorer psychological well-being. More frequent and prolonged duration communication with migrated parents and discussion of life difficulties during communication were associated with better psychological outcomes in adolescents with migrated parents. Conclusions The study found no significant difference in adolescents’ psychological well-being between migrated and non-migrated parents. However, various socio-demographic, interpersonal and migration-related factors play a role in shaping adolescents’ psychological well-being. The findings highlight the importance of social support, a safe family environment, and effective communication with migrated parents for the psychological well-being of left-behind adolescents in Nepal.

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