The impact of migratory separation from parents on the health of adolescents in the Philippines

► Separation due to migration of parents to work abroad is the lot of many young people in contemporary societies. ► Filipino adolescents separated from parents and those with their parents at home were compared on mental and physical health. ► Paradoxically, while parents work abroad to benefit their children, their absence was associated with poorer outcomes. ► Those whose mothers were abroad, and those who employ avoidant coping, were particularly at risk.