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Depressive Symptoms and Life Satisfaction Among Emerging Adults: A Comparison of High School Dropouts and Graduates

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Abstract

Using three waves of data (1998, 2000, 2002) on 1,325 emerging adults, we examined depressive symptoms and life satisfaction among a diverse group of high school dropouts and graduates. Emerging adults who left school without graduating were significantly more depressed and reported lower life satisfaction than graduates at the time of their expected graduation (T1), but these differences were nonsignificant 4 years later (T3). Working within an ecological developmental framework (Bronfenbrenner 1977, 1986), we found that graduation status, household composition, family general and transition specific support, peer support, and adolescent attachment styles protected against adverse mental health consequences at T1. However, only parent and peer support and attachment predicted changes in depressive symptoms and life satisfaction from T1 to T3.

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Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Boston area high schools, adolescents, and parents who participated in this study. This research was supported by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health (RO1-MH55626), Susan Gore, P.I. and the William T. Grant Foundation (98190598), Robert Aseltine and Joan Liem, Co-PIs.

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA, 02125-3393, USA

    Joan H. Liem, Kara Lustig & Colleen Dillon

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  1. Joan H. Liem
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  2. Kara Lustig
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  3. Colleen Dillon
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Correspondence to Joan H. Liem.

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Liem, J.H., Lustig, K. & Dillon, C. Depressive Symptoms and Life Satisfaction Among Emerging Adults: A Comparison of High School Dropouts and Graduates. J Adult Dev 17, 33–43 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-009-9076-9

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