Migration and Health

A Study of 12- to 18-Year Old Youths

Abstract

Every year, about one out of every five families in the United States changes its residence. According to the most recent census data, these moves involve nearly 11 million children. There exist widespread concerns that children may suffer adverse effects from residential relocation. This paper reviews extant research to assess the evidence and reports findings from a study of health-related effects of moving among a sample of 12- to 18-year olds (N=244). Specifically, the analysis examined the relationships between a number of mobility variables and mental well-being, locus of control, self-esteem as well as knowledge of health-related community services, while controlling for age, gender, social class, and family composition. The chief findings are the positive relation between length of local residence and knowledge following the move and the strong diminishing of this relationship after one-half year. Noteworthy is also the absence of other relocation effects. The conclusion considers limitations of the research and discusses directions for future studies.