A study of deviant behaviour among China's left‐behind children: The impact of strain, social control and learning

Abstract This study aims to examine the effects of strain, social control and learning variables on the likelihood of deviant behaviour among left‐behind children (thereafter LBC) and non‐left‐behind children (thereafter NLBC) in China. A cross‐sectional survey study was conducted among 380 LBC and 656 NLBC in elementary and middle schools in three cities of Hubei Province, China. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess whether LBC and NLBC differ in deviant behaviour and three main groups of correlates of deviance that reflect strain, social control and learning. LBC were less likely than NLBC to commit deviant behaviour. LBC with greater family attachment and school bond were less likely to engage in deviance, whereas NLBC with more academic difficulty and bullying victimization were more inclined to conduct deviant acts. Having deviant peers increased both LBC's and NLBC's probability of committing deviant behaviour. A combination of factors related to strain, social control and learning theories explains Chinese children's deviance. It is important to promote the healthy development of LBC by enhancing family and school bonds and reducing deviant associations.