Effects of International Migration of The Psychosocial Well Being of The Migrant’s Families Left Behind

Abstract

People migrate across international borders when they leave their native countries to find a more permanent or semi-permanent area to live. Migrants frequently leave behind better living situations for their family members back home. Migrating has always been a daring method for people to demonstrate their will to overcome adversity and build a brighter future. Globalization and other technological improvements in communication and transportation have made it possible and desirable for an increasing number of people to relocate. Remittances enhance the financial status of families in beneficiary nations, but they also have a substantial impact on individuals who are left behind, according to the data. They face numerous challenges. The fate of the migrant's loved ones after his departure is a critical subject in migration research. The vast majority of migrants are men, who frequently migrate alone, leaving their families behind. Current study will explore the effects of international migration on the family dynamics and their psychosocial well-being. The study was conducted in rural Punjab, Pakistan. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the sample. At the first stage from rural Punjab, district Sialkot, Jhelum and Faisalabad was selected through purposive sampling technique. At 2^nd stage three tehsils (one from each district) was selected through purposive sampling. At 3^rd stage six union councils (two from each tehsil) was selected conveniently. At fourth stage 18 villages (three villages from each union council) was selected purposively where the rate of migration is high. At final stage of sampling procedure 180 households was selected through snowball sampling technique. Interview guide and interview schedule was used as tool for data collection. The collected Data was analysed with the help of SPSS. Findings reveal that Migration can have positive and negative impacts on the social, economic and political factors of both host nations and origin locations. Many family members, particularly spouses and children, experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Feelings of abandonment, uncertainty about the future, and the burden of additional responsibilities can contribute to mental health struggles.Families may feel emotionally drained as they try to adapt to their new situation, particularly when faced with loneliness, role changes, and new challenges. Families who previously engaged actively with their community may withdraw socially due to increased household responsibilities, limited time, or feelings of loneliness.In conclusion, while migration offers economic benefits, its impact on family dynamics and psychosocial well-being in rural Punjab is complex and multifaceted. Effective support systems, improved access to resources, and community-based interventions are vital to ensuring the well-being and stability of families left behind, enabling them to better cope with the emotional and social impacts of migration.