Effect of parental absence during infancy and early childhood on cognition and depression in later life: A national household longitudinal study

•This study was based on a well-designed longitudinal study.•A range of sensitivity analyses were performed to demonstrate that the findings were robust.•Parental companionship during infancy and early childhood was essential for the growth and development of children.•Parental absence was associated with lower math scores and higher depression scores in children in later life.