Beyond Bounded Rotations: The Emotional Cycle of Indefinite Separation in Nigerian Transnational Families Between Sub-Saharan Africa and the Global North

Abstract

Background: Transnational families, wherein one or both parents migrate internationally while children remain in the country of origin, constitute an increasingly common family form globally. While migration literature addresses settlement, integration and remittances, the emotional cycles experienced by separated family members remain under-theorized beyond children's outcomes.

Objective: This conceptual paper develops a framework for understanding emotional separation cycles in Nigerian transnational families where fathers and increasingly mothers migrate to the UK, Europe, Middle East, or South Africa, leaving children in Nigeria. Unlike rotational work separations with predictable return schedules, these involve indefinite duration, uncertain reunion prospects and unique stressors including legal status complications, risk of dual family formation and remittance burden.

Methods: Narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed literature on Nigerian diaspora families, transnational parenting, left-behind children and comparative transnational family studies.

Results: We propose a modified emotional cycle comprising: (1) Migration decision and anticipatory ambivalence, (2) Departure and acute grief, (3) Prolonged adjustment with role reconfiguration, (4) Stabilization or destabilization based on communication and remittances, (5) Uncertain anticipation of reunion and (6) Reunification challenges or permanent separation. Critical moderators include legal/immigration status, remittance financial burden, communication infrastructure access, risk of second family formation, cultural fostering norms and children's caregiver stability.

Conclusions: Indefinite separation in transnational families constitutes a distinct phenomenon requiring different theoretical frameworks than bounded rotational work. The framework offers implications for diaspora support services, immigration policy reform, remittance infrastructure and transnational parenting interventions.