Decreasing trends in adolescent life satisfaction: the role of developmental and demographic factors

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate demographic and developmental factors that contribute to the prediction of life satisfaction in Greek adolescents. Life satisfaction is an important aspect of the subjective well-being and functionality of adolescents. The sample included 433 students (171 males) aged 11 to 16 years from medium and upper socioeconomic status, attending private schools in Greece. The research was conducted at the school environment after permission from the Schools’ Supervisor of Counseling Services and the Schools’ Principals. The Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale was administered to students in order to assess the subjective well-being of adolescents along with a questionnaire for demographic information. Results showed a statistical significant decrease in adolescents’ life satisfaction from family, friends, school, living environment and self as students move from the developmental stage of early to middle adolescence. A regression analysis revealed that each domain of life satisfaction was predicted by specific demographic and developmental factors. Results also indicated that gender was associated with several dimensions of life satisfaction. Girls in particular reported greater life satisfaction in total and were more satisfied with friends and school compared to boys. Decreased life satisfaction in adolescence may be a developmental phenomenon which should be studied further through longitudinal studies.