GENERAL INFORMATION
| Info-AJIRAS-® Journal ISSN 2429-5396 (Online) / Reference CIF/15/0289M |
American Journal of Innovative Research & Applied Sciences
|
American Journal of innovative
Research & Applied Sciences
ISSN 2429-5396 (Online)
OCLC Number: 920041286
Authors Contact
*Correspondant author and authors Copyright © 2024:
| Davina Williams 1*| Chantae Valentine 1 | Kyara McFarlane 1| and | Cordesia Rankine 1 | Kotra Mohan 1| and | Lisset Pickens 1|
Affiliation.
Department of General Studies and Behaviour | University of the Commonwealth Caribbean |
This article is made freely available as part of this journal's Open Access:
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13732593 |
| ISSN: 2429-5396 (e) | https://www.american-jiras.com | |
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Abstarct7-December-2023
| SEPTEMBER 19 | ISSUE N° 3 | 2024 |
| ARTICLES | Am. J. innov. res. appl. sci. Volume 19, Issue - 3 Pages 11-24 (September, 2024)
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The term "barrel children" describes a unique social phenomenon in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, where children are left behind while their parents migrate overseas for work. This separation often results in significant behavioral and emotional challenges for the children, impacting their mental health and well-being. This study examines the specific behavioral and emotional issues faced by children in Kingston, Jamaica, whose parents have migrated for economic reasons. Objective: To investigate the behavioral and emotional effects of parental migration on children in Kingston, Jamaica, and to understand the impact of this separation on their mental health, academic performance, and social relationships. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving both quantitative and qualitative research designs. The study sampled 20 children aged 10 to 17, along with their guardians and teachers, to gather comprehensive data on their experiences. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed with demographic questions and specific items addressing behavioral and emotional well-being. Responses were analyzed to identify patterns related to the children's emotional state, social connections, academic performance, and coping mechanisms. Results: The findings reveal that parental migration leads to significant emotional distress among children, with 60% expressing sadness due to their parents' absence. High levels of anxiety and feelings of abandonment were reported, alongside a perceived lack of emotional support. Despite these challenges, many children maintained good academic performance, with 45% often achieving good grades and 95% reporting strong social connections. The study also identified the importance of community support and extended family networks in mitigating the negative effects of parental separation. Conclusion: Parental migration, while providing economic benefits, has substantial emotional and psychological costs for the children left behind. The study highlights the need for targeted community-based support programs and culturally appropriate interventions to enhance the well-being and resilience of these children. Strengthening communication between parents and children, alongside building robust support networks, is essential for mitigating the negative impacts of parental separation.
Keywords: Barrel children, parental migration, behavioral issues, emotional well-being, mental health, Kingston, Jamaica, community support, academic performance.
| Davina Williams 1*| Chantae Valentine 1 | Kyara McFarlane 1| and | Cordesia Rankine 1 | Kotra Mohan 1| and | Lisset Pickens 1|
|. Am. J. innov. res. appl. sci. 2024; 19(3):11-24.
| PDF FULL TEXT | | XML FILE | | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13696221 |