This paper delves into the impact of Chinese left-behind children's perceptions of parental absence on their self-image and social identity. Through analyzing the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses of left-behind children, the study reveals the negative effects of parental absence on them. It is found that emotional neglect and absence of life by parents lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and other emotional issues in left-behind children, which in turn distort their self-image and social identity. The article further analyzes specific manifestations of left-behind children's social identity, such as social avoidance and low self-worth, and discusses influencing factors from the dimensions of family, school, and society. The research methods primarily include literature review, theoretical analysis, and case studies. The conclusion points out that to improve the social identity of left-behind children, it is necessary to strengthen family education guidance, improve the school care system, build social support networks, and strengthen policy support.

Jingjing Zhang. A Study on the Impact of Chinese Left-behind Children's Perceptions of Parental Absence on Their Self-Image and Social Identity. Frontiers in Educational Research (2025), Vol. 8, Issue 4: 144-149. https://doi.org/10.25236/FER.2025.080421.

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