Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Youth Life Satisfaction: A Review of the Literature

  • Published:
Journal of Happiness Studies Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A central construct within the positive psychology literature is life satisfaction. Whereas adult life satisfaction has been studied extensively, the life satisfaction of children and adolescents has only received attention more recently. This article provides a review of the extant research on youth life satisfaction. Empirical studies (n = 141) on life satisfaction among youth are reviewed. The review details how life satisfaction among youth relates to various other important emotional, social, and behavioural constructs. Evidenced by the review are the conditions that foster positive life satisfaction and the implications of positive life satisfaction among youth. Future directions in life satisfaction research among youth are briefly discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Accordino, D. B., Accordino, M. P., & Slaney, R. B. (1999). An investigation of perfectionism, mental health, achievement, and achievement motivation in adolescents. Psychology in the Schools, 37, 535–545.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adelman, H. S., Taylor, L., & Nelson, P. (1989). Minors’ dissatisfaction with their life circumstances. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 20, 135–147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amato, P. R. (1994). Father–child relations, mother–child relations, and offspring psychological well-being in early adulthood. Journal of Marriage and Family, 56, 1031–1042.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

  • Anderson, G., & Arsenault, N. (1998). Fundamentals of educational research. Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andrews, F. M., & Withey, S. B. (1976). Social indicators of well-being: American’s perceptions of life quality. New York, NY: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Argyle, M., & Lu, L. (1990a). Happiness and social skills. Personality and Individual Differences, 11, 1255–1261.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Argyle, M., & Lu, L. (1990b). The happiness of extraverts. Personality and Individual Differences, 11, 1011–1017.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aristotle. (1925). The Nicomachean ethics. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

  • Ash, C., & Huebner, E. S. (1998). Life satisfaction reports of gifted middle-school children. School Psychology Quarterly, 13, 310–321.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ash, C., & Huebner, E. S. (2001). Environmental events and life satisfaction reports of adolescents: A test of cognitive mediation. School Psychology International, 22, 320–336.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Asher, S. R., & Hopmeyer, A. (1997). Loneliness in childhood. In G. G. Bear, K. M. Minke & A. Thomas (Eds.), Children’s needs II: Development, problems and alternatives (pp. 279–292). Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blom-Hoffman, J., Edwards George, J. B., & Franko, D. L. (2006). Childhood overweight. In G. G. Bear & K. M. Minke (Eds.), Children’s needs III: Development, prevention and intervention (pp. 989–1000). Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bradley, R. H., & Corwyn, R. F. (2004). Life satisfaction among European American, African American, Chinese American, Mexican American, and Dominican American adolescents. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 28, 385–400.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Braithwaite, V., & Devine, C. (1993). Life satisfaction and adjustment of children of alcoholics: The effects of parental drinking, family disorganization and survival roles. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 32, 417–429.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bramston, P., Bruggerman, K., & Pretty, G. (2002). Community perspectives and subjective quality of life. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 49, 385–397.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brantley, A., Huebner, E. S., & Nagle, R. J. (2002). Multidimensional life satisfaction reports of adolescents with mild mental disabilities. Mental Retardation, 40, 321–329.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, A. C., & Orthner, D. K. (1990). Relocation and personal well-being among early adolescents. Journal of Early Adolescence, 10, 366–381.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, T. N., Wallace, J. M., & Williams, D. R. (2001). Race-related correlates of young adults’ subjective well-being. Social Indicators Research, 53, 97–116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burke, R. J., & Weir, T. (1978). Benefits to adolescent of informal helping relationships with their parents and peers. Psychological Reports, 42, 1175–1184.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burke, R. J., & Weir, T. (1979). Helping responses of parents and peers and adolescent well-being. The Journal of Psychology, 102, 49–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Callahan, M. R., Tolman, R. M., & Saunders, D. G. (2003). Adolescent dating violence victimization and psychological well-being. Journal of Adolescent Research, 18, 664–681.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cantril, H. (1965). The patterns of human concern. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Casas, F., Gonzalez, M., Figuer, C., & Coenders, G. (2004). Subjective well-being, values and goal achievement: The case of planned versus by chance searches on the Internet. Social Indicators Research, 66, 123–141.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chang, L., McBride-Chang, C., Stewart, S. M., & Au, E. (2003). Life satisfaction, self-concept, and family relations in Chinese adolescents and children. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 27, 182–189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coker, A. L., McKeown, R. E., Sanderson, M., Davis, K. E., Valois, R. F., & Huebner, E. S. (2000). Severe dating violence and quality of life among South Carolina high school students. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 19, 220–227.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Constantine, M. G., Alleyne, V. L., Wallace, B. C., & Franklin-Jackson, D. C. (2006). Africentric cultural values: Their relation to positive mental health in African American adolescent girls. Journal of Black Psychology, 32, 141–154.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Costa, P. T., Jr., & McCrae, R. R. (1980). Influence of extraversion and neuroticism on subjective well-being: Happy and unhappy people. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 38, 668–678.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cowen, E. L. (1991). In pursuit of wellness. American Psychologist, 46, 404–408.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Creed, P. A., Muller, J., & Patton, W. (2003). Leaving high school: The influence and consequences for psychological well-being and career-related confidence. Journal of Adolescence, 26, 295–311.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The ‘what’ and ‘why’ of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11, 227–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Demo, D. H., & Acock, A. C. (1996). Family structure, family process, and adolescent well-being. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 6, 457–488.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeNeve, K. M., & Cooper, H. (1998). The happy personality: A meta-analysis of 137 personality traits and subjective well-being. Psychological Bulletin, 124, 197–229.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dew, T., & Huebner, E. S. (1994). Adolescents’ perceived quality of life: An exploratory investigation. Journal of School Psychology, 33, 185–199.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diener, E. (1984). Subjective well-being. Psychological Bulletin, 95, 542–575.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diener, E. (1994). Assessing subjective well-being: Progress and opportunities. Social Indicators Research, 31, 103–157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diener, E. (1996). Traits can be powerful, but are not enough: Lessons from subjective well-being. Journal of Research in Personality, 30, 389–399.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diener, E., & Diener, M. (1995). Cross-cultural correlates of life satisfaction and self-esteem. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 68, 653–663.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diener, E., & Diener, C. (1996). Most people are happy. Psychological Science, 7, 181–185.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diener, E., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The satisfaction with life scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49, 71–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diener, E., Suh, E. M., Lucas, R. E., & Smith, H. L. (1999). Subjective well-being three decades of progress. Psychological Bulletin, 125, 276–302.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diener, E., Suh, E. M., & Oishi, S. (1997). Recent findings on subjective well-being. Indian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 24, 25–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Donohue, B., Teichner, G., Azrin, N., Weintraub, N., Crum, T. A., Murphy, L., et al. (2003). Initial reliability and validity of the Life Satisfaction Scale for Problem Youth in a sample of drug abusing and conduct disordered youth. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 12, 453–464.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Due, P., Holstein, B. E., Ito, H., & Groth, M. V. (1991). Diet and health behaviour in Danish children aged 11–15 years. Tandlaegernes Tidsskr, 6, 232–237.

    Google Scholar 

  • Emmons, R. A. (1986). Personal strivings: An approach to personality and subjective well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51, 1058–1068.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Emmons, R. A., & Diener, E. (1985). Personality correlates of subjective well-being. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 11, 89–97.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Emmons, R. A., & Diener, E. (1986). A goal-affect analysis of everyday situational choices. Journal of Research in Personality, 20, 309–326.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Enns, M. W., & Cox, B. J. (1999). Perfectionism and depression symptom severity in major depressive disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 37, 783–794.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eysenck, H. J., & Eysenck, S. B. G. (1975). Manual of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. London: Hodder & Stoughton Educational.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fabricatore, A. N., & Handal, P. J. (2000). Personal spirituality as a moderator of the relationship between stressors and subjective well-being. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 28, 221–228.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feather, N. T., & O’Brien, G. E. (1986). A longitudinal study of the effects of employment and unemployment on school-leavers. Journal of Occupational Psychology, 59, 121–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flouri, E., & Buchanan, A. (2002). Life satisfaction in teenage boys: The moderating role of father involvement and bullying. Aggressive Behavior, 28, 126–133.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fogle, L. M., Huebner, E. S., & Laughlin, J. E. (2002). The relationship between temperament and life satisfaction in early adolescence: Cognitive and behavioral mediation models. Journal of Happiness Studies, 3, 373–392.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Forman, S. G., Bry, B. H., & Urga, P. A. (2006). Substance abuse. In G. G. Bear & K. M. Minke (Eds.), Children’s needs III: Development, prevention, and intervention (pp. 1011–1023). Bethesda: National Association of School Psychologists.

    Google Scholar 

  • Funk, B. A., Huebner, E. S., & Valois, R. F. (2006). Reliability and validity of a brief life satisfaction scale with a high school sample. Journal of Happiness Studies, 7, 41–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilman, R. (2001). The relationship between life satisfaction, social interest, and frequency of extracurricular activities among adolescent students. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 30, 749–767.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilman, R., & Ashby, J. S. (2003). A first study of perfectionism and multidimensional life satisfaction among adolescents. Journal of Early Adolescence, 23, 218–235.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilman, R., & Ashby, J. S. (2006). Perfectionism. In G. G. Bear & K. M. Minke (Eds.), Children’s needs III: Development, prevention and intervention (pp. 303–312). Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilman, R., Ashby, J. S., Sverko, D., Florell, D., & Varjas, K. (2005). The relationship between perfectionism and multidimensional life satisfaction among Croatian and American youth. Personality and Individual Differences, 39, 155–166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilman, R., & Barry, J. (2003). Life satisfaction and social desirability among adolescents in a residential treatment setting: Changes across time. Residential Treatment for Children and Youth, 21, 19–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilman, R., Dooley, J., & Florell, D. (2006). Relative levels of hope and their relationship with academic and psychological indicators among adolescents. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 25, 166–178.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilman, R., Easterbrooks, S. R., & Frey, M. (2004a). A preliminary study of multidimensional life satisfaction among deaf/hard of hearing youth across environmental settings. Social Indicators Research, 66, 143–164.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilman, R., & Handwerk, M. L. (2001). Changes in life satisfaction as a function of stay in a residential setting. Residential Treatment for Children and Youth, 18, 47–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilman, R., & Huebner, E. S. (1997). Children’s reports of their life satisfaction: Convergence across raters, time and response format. School Psychology International, 18, 229–243.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilman, R., & Huebner, E. S. (2000). Review of life satisfaction measures for adolescents. Behaviour Change, 17, 178–195.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilman, R., & Huebner, E. S. (2003). A review of life satisfaction research with children and adolescents. School Psychology Quarterly, 18, 192–205.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilman, R., & Huebner, E. S. (2006). Characteristics of adolescents who report very high life satisfaction. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 35, 311–319.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilman, R., Huebner, E. S., & Laughlin, J. E. (2000). A first study of the Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale with adolescents. Social Indicators Research, 52, 135–160.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilman, R., Meyers, J., & Perez, L. (2004b). Structured extracurricular activities among adolescents: Findings and implications for school psychologists. Psychology in the Schools, 41, 31–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Greenberg, M. T., Siegel, J. M., & Leitch, C. J. (1983). The nature and importance of attachment relationships to parents and peers during adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 12, 373–386.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Greene, S. M., Anderson, E. R., Doyle, E. A., & Riedelbach, H. (2006). Divorce. In G. G. Bear & K. M. Minke (Eds.), Children’s needs III: Development, prevention and intervention (pp. 745–757). Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenspoon, P. J., & Saklofske, D. H. (1997). Validity and reliability of the Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale with Canadian children. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 15, 138–155.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Greenspoon, P. J., & Saklofske, D. H. (2001). Toward an integration of subjective well-being and psychopathology. Social Indicators Research, 54, 81–108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Griffin, M. D., & Huebner, E. S. (2000). Multidimensional life satisfaction reports of middle school students with serious emotional disturbance. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 18, 111–124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grossman, M., & Rowat, K. M. (1995). Parental relationships, coping strategies, received support and well-being in adolescents of separated or divorced and married parents. Research in Nursing & Health, 18, 249–261.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guijarro, S., Naranjo, J., Padilla, M., Gutierez, R., Lammers, C., & Blum, R. W. (1999). Family risk factors associated with adolescent pregnancy: Study of a group of adolescent girls and their families in Ecuador. Journal of Adolescent Health, 25, 166–172.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Halvorsen, I., & Heyerdahl, S. (2006). Girls with anorexia nervosa as young adults: Personality, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 39, 285–293.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hanrahan, S. J. (2005). Using psychological skills training from sport psychology to enhance the life satisfaction of adolescent Mexican Orphans. Athletic Insight: Online Journal of Sport Psychology, 7, no pagination specified. Accessed June 14, 2006 from http://www.athleticinsight.com.

  • Headey, B., Kelley, J., & Wearing, A. (1993). Dimensions of mental health: Life satisfaction, positive affect, anxiety, and depression. Social Indicators Research, 29, 63–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Headey, B., & Wearing, A. (1989). Personality, life events, and subjective well-being: Toward a dynamic equilibrium model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57, 731–739.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heaven, P. C. L. (1989). Extraversion, neuroticism and satisfaction with life among adolescents. Personality and Individual Differences, 10, 489–492.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heaven, P., Searight, H. R., Chastain, J., & Skitka, L. J. (1996). The relationship between perceived family health and personality functioning among Australian adolescents. American Journal of Family Therapy, 24, 358–366.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hofer, J., & Chasiotis, A. (2003). Congruence of life goals and implicit motives as predictors of life satisfaction: Cross-cultural implications of a study of Zambian male adolescents. Motivation and Emotion, 27, 251–272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hofman, J. E., Beit-Hallahmi, B., & Hertz-Lazarowitz, R. (1982). Self-concept of Jewish and Arab adolescents in Israel. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 43, 786–792.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holstein, B. E., Ito, H., & Due, P. (1990). Physical exercise among school children. A nation-wide sociomedical study of 1, 671 children 11–15 years of age. Ugeskr Laeger, 152, 2721–2727.

    Google Scholar 

  • Homel, R., & Burns, A. (1989). Environmental quality and the well-being of children. Social Indicators Research, 21, 133–158.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Honkala, S., Hondala, E., & Al-Sahli, N. (2006). Consumption of sugar products and associated life- and school-satisfaction and self-esteem factors among schoolchildren in Kuwait. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 64, 79–88.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S. (1991a). Correlates of life satisfaction in children. School Psychology Quarterly, 6, 103–111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S. (1991b). Further validation of the Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale: The independence of satisfaction and affect ratings. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 9, 363–368.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S. (1991c). Initial development of the Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale. School Psychology International, 12, 231–240.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S. (1994). Preliminary development and validation of a multidimensional life satisfaction scale for children. Psychological Assessment, 6, 149–158.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S. (1995). The Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale: An assessment of psychometric properties with black and white elementary school students. Social Indicators Research, 34, 315–323.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S. (2004). Research on assessment of life satisfaction of children and adolescents. Social Indicators Research, 66, 3–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S., & Alderman, G. L. (1993). Convergent and discriminant validation of a children’s life satisfaction scale: Its relationship to self- and teacher-reported psychological problems and school functioning. Social Indicators Research, 30, 71–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S., Brantley, A., Nagle, R., & Valois, R. F. (2002). Correspondence between parent and adolescent ratings of life satisfaction for adolescents with and without mental disabilities. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 20, 20–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S., & Dew, T. (1993a). Is life satisfaction multidimensional? The factor structure of the Perceived Life Satisfaction Scale. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 11, 345–350.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S., & Dew, T. (1993b). Validity of the Perceived Life Satisfaction Scale. School Psychology International, 14, 355–360.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S., & Dew, T. (1996). The interrelationships of positive affect, negative affect and life satisfaction, in an adolescent sample. Social Indicators Research, 38, 129–137.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S., Drane, J. W., & Valois, R. F. (2000a). Levels and demographic correlates of adolescent life satisfaction reports. School Psychology International, 21, 281–292.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S., Funk, B. A., & Gilman, R. (2000b). Cross-sectional and longitudinal psychosocial correlates of adolescent life satisfaction reports. Canadian Journal of School Psychology, 16, 53–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S., Laughlin, J. E., Ash, C., & Gilman, R. (1998). Further validation of the Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 16, 118–134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S., Suldo, S. M., Smith, L. C., & McKnight, C. G. (2004a). Life satisfaction in children and youth: Empirical foundations and implications for school psychologists. Psychology in the Schools, 41, 81–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S., Suldo, S. M., Valois, R. F., Drane, J. W., & Zullig, K. J. (2004b). Brief Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale: Sex, race, and grade effects in a high school sample. Psychological Reports, 94, 351–356.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S., Valois, R. F., Paxton, R. J., & Drane, J. W. (2005). Middle school students’ perceptions of quality of life. Journal of Happiness Studies, 6, 15–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jaffee, S., Caspi, A., Moffitt, T. E., Belsky, J., & Silva, P. (2001). Why are children born to teen mothers at risk for adverse outcomes in young adulthood? Results from a 20-yr longitudinal study. Development and Psychopathology, 12, 377–397.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kamman, R., Farry, M., & Herbison, P. (1984). The analysis and measurement of happiness as a sense of well-being. Social Indicators Research, 15, 91–116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kasser, T. (2004). The good life or the goods life? Positive psychology and personal well-being in the culture of consumption. In P. A. Linley & S. Joseph (Eds.), Positive psychology in practice (pp. 55–67). Holboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuntsche, E. N., & Gmel, G. (2004). Emotional wellbeing and violence among social and solitary risky single occasion drinkers in adolescence. Addiction, 99, 331–339.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Langeveld, J. H., Koot, H. M., Loonen, M. C., Hazebroek-Kampschreur, A. A. J. M., & Passchier, J. (1996). A quality of life instrument for adolescents with chronic headache. Cephalalgia, 16, 183–196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Langeveld, J. H., Koot, H. M., & Passchier, J. (1997). Headache intensity and quality of life in adolescents: How are changes in headache intensity in adolescents related to changes in experienced quality of life? Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 37, 37–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Langeveld, J. H., Koot, H. M., & Passchier, J. (1999). Do experienced stress and trait negative affectivity moderate the relationship between headache and quality of life in adolescents? Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 24, 1–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Larson, R. W. (2000). Toward a psychology of positive youth development. American Psychologist, 55, 170–183.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Larson, R. W., & Richards, M. H. (1991). Daily companionship in late childhood and early adolescence: Changing developmental contexts. Child Development, 62, 284–300.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lessing, E. E. (1972). Extension of personal future time perspective, age, and life satisfaction of children and adolescents. Developmental Psychology, 6, 457–468.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leung, J. P., & Leung, K. (1992). Life satisfaction, self-concept, and relationship with parents in adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 21, 653–665.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leung, C. Y. W., McBride-Chang, C., & Lai, B. P. Y. (2004). Relations among maternal parenting style, academic competence, and life satisfaction in Chinese early adolescents. Journal of Early Adolescence, 24, 113–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leung, C., Pe-Pua, R., & Karnilowicz, W. (2006). Psychological adaptation and autonomy among adolescents in Australia: A comparison of Anglo-Celtic and three Asian groups. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 30, 99–118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leung, J. P., & Zhang, L. (2000). Modelling life satisfaction of Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 24, 99–104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewinsohn, P. M., Redner, J. E., & Seeley, J. R. (1991). The relationship between life satisfaction and psychosocial variables: New perspectives. In F. Strack, M. Argyle & N. Schwarz (Eds.), Subjective well-being: An interdisciplinary perspective (pp. 141–169). New York, NY: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liebkind, K., & Jasinskaja-Lahti, I. (2000). Acculturation and psychological well-being among immigrant adolescents in Finland: A comparative study of adolescents from different cultural backgrounds. Journal of Adolescent Research, 15, 446–469.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, W., Tian, L., & Gilman, R. (2005). A cross-cultural study on life satisfaction between Chinese and American middle-school students. Chinese Mental Health Journal, 19, 319–321.

    Google Scholar 

  • Locke, E. A. (2002). Setting goals for life and happiness. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Handbook of positive psychology (pp. 299–312). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lombardi, D. N., Florentino, M. C., & Lombardi, A. J. (1998). Perfectionism and abnormal behavior. The Journal of Individual Psychology, 54, 61–71.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lopez, S. J., Snyder, C. R., Magyar-Moe, J. L., Edwards, L. M., Pedrotti, J. T., Janowski, K., et al. (2004). Strategies for accentuating hope. In P. A. Linley & S. Joseph (Eds.), Positive psychology in practice (pp. 388–404). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lyubomirsky, S., King, L., & Diener, E. (2005). The benefits of frequent positive affect: Does happiness lead to success? Psychological Bulletin, 131, 803–855.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacDonald, J. M., Piquero, A. R., Valois, R. F., & Zullig, K. J. (2005). The relationship between life satisfaction, risk-taking behaviors, and youth violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 20, 1495–1518.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maddux, J. E. (2002). Self-efficacy: The power of believing you can. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Handbook of positive psychology (pp. 277–287). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Man, P. (1991). The influence of peers and parents on youth life satisfaction in Hong Kong. Social Indicators Research, 24, 347–365.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maslow, A., & Richard, J. L. (1999). Toward a psychology of being. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maton, K. I. (1990). Meaningful involvement in instrumental activity and well-being: Studies of older adolescents and at risk urban teen-agers. American Journal of Community Psychology, 18, 297–320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCrae, R. R., & Costa, P. T. (1983). Social desirability scales: More substance than style. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51, 882–888.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCullough, G., & Huebner, E. S. (2003). Life satisfaction reports of adolescents with learning disabilities and normally achieving adolescents. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 21, 311–324.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCullough, G., Huebner, E. S., & Laughlin, J. E. (2000). Life events, self-concept, and adolescents positive subjective well-being. Psychology in the Schools, 37, 281–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McFarlane, A. H., Bellissimo, A., & Norman, G. R. (1995). Family structure, family functioning and adolescent well-being: The transcendent influence of parental style. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 36, 847–864.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKnight, C. G., Huebner, E. S., & Suldo, S. M. (2002). Relationships among stressful life events, temperament, problem behavior, and global life satisfaction in adolescents. Psychology in the Schools, 39, 677–687.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore, D., & Schultz, N. R. (1983). Loneliness at adolescence: Correlates, attributions, and coping. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 12, 95–100.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morojele, N. K., & Brook, J. S. (2004). Sociodemographic, sociocultural, and individual predictors of reported feelings of meaninglessness among South African adolescents. Psychological Reports, 95, 1271–1278.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Myers, D. G., & Diener, E. (1996). The pursuit of happiness. Scientific American, 274, 70–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Neto, F. (1993). The Satisfaction With Life Scale: Psychometrics properties in an adolescent sample. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 22, 125–134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neto, F. (1995). Predictors of satisfaction with life among second generation migrants. Social Indicators Research, 35, 93–116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neto, F. (2001). Satisfaction with life among adolescents from immigrant families in Portugal. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 30, 53–67.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Newcomb, M. D., Bentler, P. M., & Collins, C. (1986). Alcohol use and dissatisfaction with self and life: A longitudinal analysis of young adults. Journal of Drug Issues, 63, 479–494.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nickerson, A. B., & Nagle, R. (2004). The influence of parent and peer attachments on life satisfaction in middle childhood and early adolescence. Social Indicators Research, 66, 35–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oishi, S., Diener, E., Lucas, R. E., & Suh, E. M. (1999a). Cross-cultural variations in predictors of life satisfaction: Perspectives from needs and values. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 25, 980–990.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oishi, S., Diener, E., Suh, E. M., & Lucas, R. E. (1999b). Value as a moderator in subjective well-being. Journal of Personality, 67, 157–184.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliva, A., & Arranz, E. (2005). Sibling relationships during adolescence. European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 2, 253–270.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ortman, P. E. (1988). Adolescents’ perceptions of and feelings about control and responsibility in their lives. Adolescence, 23, 913–924.

    Google Scholar 

  • Park, N. (2005). Life satisfaction among Korean children and youth: A developmental perspective. School Psychology International, 26, 209–223.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park, N., & Huebner, E. S. (2005). A cross-cultural study of the levels and correlates of life satisfaction among adolescents. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 36, 444–456.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park, N., Huebner, E. S., Laughlin, J. E., Valois, R. F., & Gilman, R. (2004a). A cross-cultural comparison of the dimensions of child and adolescent life satisfaction reports. Social Indicators Research, 66, 61–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2006a). Character strengths and happiness among young children: Content analysis of parental descriptions. Journal of Happiness Studies, 7, 323–341.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2006b). Moral competence and character strengths among adolescents: The development and validation of the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth. Journal of Adolescence, 29, 891–909.

    Google Scholar 

  • Park, N., Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. (2004b). Strengths of character and well-being. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 23, 603–619.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patton, W., & Noller, P. (1984). Unemployment and youth: A longitudinal study. Australian Journal of Psychology, 36, 339–413.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A classification and handbook. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phinney, J. S., & Ong, A. D. (2002). Adolescent-parent disagreements and life satisfaction in families from Vietnamese- and European-American backgrounds. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 26, 556–561.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Piko, B. F., & Keresztes, N. (2006). Physical activity, psychosocial health, and life goals among youth. Journal of Community Health, 31, 136–145.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Piko, B. F., Luszczynska, A., Gibbons, F. X., & Tekozel, M. (2005). A culture-based study of personal and social influences of adolescent smoking. European Journal of Public Health, 15, 393–398.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pinquart, M., Silbereisen, R. K., & Juang, L. P. (2004). Moderating effects of adolescents’ self-efficacy beliefs on psychological responses to social change. Journal of Adolescent Research, 19, 340–359.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pretty, G., Rapley, M., & Bramston, P. (2002). Neighbourhood and community experience, and the quality of life of rural adolescents with and without an intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 27, 106–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, C. R., & Kamphaus, R. W. (1992). Manual for the Behavioral Assessment System for children. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rigby, K. (2000). Effect of peer victimization in schools and perceived social support on adolescent well-being. Journal of Adolescence, 23, 57–68.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rigby, B. T., & Huebner, E. S. (2005). Do causal attributions mediate the relationship between personality characteristics and life satisfaction in adolescence? Psychology in the Schools, 42, 91–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, R. E., Alegria, M., Roberts, C. R., & Chen, I. G. (2005). Concordance of reports of mental health functioning by adolescents and their caregivers: A comparison of European, African and Latino Americans. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 193, 528–534.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, R. E., Roberts, C. R., & Chen, I. G. (2002). Impact of insomnia on future functioning of adolescents. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 53, 561–569.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sam, D. L. (1994). The psychological adjustment of young immigrants in Norway. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 35, 240–253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sam, D. L. (1998). Predicting life satisfaction among adolescents from immigrant families in Norway. Ethnicity & Health, 3, 5–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sam, D. L. (2000). Psychological adaptation of adolescents with immigrant backgrounds. Journal of Social Psychology, 140, 5–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sastre, M. T. M., & Ferriere, G. (2000). Family “decline” and the subjective well-being of adolescents. Social Indicators Research, 49, 69–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schiff, M., Nebe, S., & Gilman, R. (2006). Life satisfaction among Israeli youth in residential treatment care. British Journal of Social Work, 36, 1325–1343.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schilmoeller, G. L., Baranowski, M. D., & Higgins, B. S. (1991). Long-term support and personal adjustment of adolescent and older mothers. Adolescence, 26, 787–797.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E. P. (2002a). Authentic happiness: Using the new possible psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E. P. (2002b). Positive psychology, positive prevention, and positive therapy. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Handbook of positive psychology (pp. 3–9). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55, 5–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seligson, J., Huebner, E. S., & Valois, R. F. (2003). Preliminary validation of the Brief Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (BMSLSS). Social Indicators Research, 61, 121–145.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seligson, J., Huebner, E. S., & Valois, R. F. (2005). An investigation of a brief life satisfaction scale with elementary school children. Social Indicators Research, 73, 355–374.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (1997a). Family environment and adolescent psychological well-being, school adjustment, and problem behavior: A pioneer study in a Chinese context. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 158, 113–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (1997b). The relation of family functioning to adolescent psychological well-being, school adjustment, and problem behavior. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 158, 467–479.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (1997c). The relation of parent-adolescent conflict to adolescent psychological well-being, school adjustment, and problem behavior. Social Behavior and Personality, 25, 277–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (1998a). A longitudinal study of Hong Kong adolescents’ and parents’ perceptions of family functioning and well-being. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 159, 389–403.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (1998b). A longitudinal study of the relations between parent-adolescent conflict and adolescent psychological well-being. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 159, 53–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (1998c). Adolescent positive mental health and psychological symptoms: A longitudinal study in a Chinese context. Psychologia: An International Journal of Psychology in the Orient, 41, 217–225.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (1999a). Individual and dyadic predictors of family functioning in a Chinese context. American Journal of Family Therapy, 27, 49–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (1999b). Parenting characteristics and adolescent psychological well-being: A longitudinal study in a Chinese context. Genetic, Social, and General Psychology Monographs, 125, 27–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (1999c). Paternal and maternal influences on the psychological well-being of Chinese adolescents. Genetic, Social, and General Psychology Monographs, 125, 269–296.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (2002a). Family functioning and psychological well-being, school adjustment, and problem behavior in Chinese adolescent girls experiencing economic disadvantage. Family Therapy, 29, 33–48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (2002b). Family functioning and psychological well-being, school adjustment, and problem behavior in Chinese adolescents with and without economic disadvantage. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 163, 497–502.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (2002c). The relation of parental qualities to psychological well-being, school adjustment, and problem behavior in Chinese adolescents with economic disadvantage. American Journal of Family Therapy, 30, 215–230.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (2003a). A longitudinal study of parenting and adolescent adjustment in Chinese adolescents with economic disadvantage. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 15, 39–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (2003b). Economic stress, psychological well-being and problem behavior in Chinese adolescents with economic disadvantage. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 32, 259–266.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (2004). Chinese cultural beliefs about adversity: It’s relationship to psychological well-being, school adjustment and problem behaviour in Hong Kong adolescents with and without economic disadvantage. Childhood, 11, 63–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (2005a). A longitudinal study of Chinese cultural beliefs about adversity, psychological well-being, delinquency and substance abuse in Chinese adolescents with economic disadvantage. Social Indicators Research, 71, 385–409.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (2005b). A longitudinal study of perceived family functioning and adolescent adjustment in Chinese adolescents with economic disadvantage. Journal of Family Issues, 26, 518–543.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (2005c). Economic stress, emotional quality of life, and problem behavior in Chinese adolescents with and without economic disadvantage. Social Indicators Research, 71, 363–383.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (2005d). Paternal and maternal influences on the psychological well-being, substance abuse, and delinquency of Chinese adolescents experiencing economic disadvantage. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 63, 219–234.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. T. L. (2005e). Perceived parental control processes, parent–child relational qualities, and psychological well-being in Chinese adolescents with and without economic disadvantage. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 166, 171–188.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, D. C., Adelman, H. S., Nelson, P., Taylor, L., & Phares, V. (1987). Students’ perception of control at school and problem behavior and attitudes. Journal of School Psychology, 25, 167–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Snyder, C. R., Hoza, B., Pelham, W. E., Rapoff, M., Ware, L., Danovsky, M., et al. (1997). The development and validation of the Children’s Hope Scale (CHS). Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 22, 399–421.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Snyder, C. R., Rand, K. L., & Sigmon, D. R. (2002). Hope theory: A member of the positive psychology family. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Handbook of positive psychology (pp. 257–276). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steinberg, L. (1987). Impact of puberty on family relations: Effects of pubertal status and pubertal timing. Developmental Psychology, 23, 451–460.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stevenson, W., Maton, K. I., & Teti, D. M. (1999). Social support, relationship quality, and well-being among pregnant adolescents. Journal of Adolescence, 22, 109–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stoiber, K. C., & McIntyre, H. (2006). Adolescent pregnancy and parenting. In G. G. Bear & K. M. Minke (Eds.), Children’s needs III: Development, prevention, and intervention (pp. 705–719). Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suldo, S. M., & Huebner, E. S. (2004a). Does life satisfaction moderate the effects of stressful events on psychopathological behaviour during adolescence? School Psychology Quarterly, 19, 93–105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suldo, S. M., & Huebner, E. S. (2004b). The role of life satisfaction in the relationship between authoritative parenting dimensions and adolescent problem behavior. Social Indicators Research, 66, 165–195.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suldo, S. M., & Huebner, E. S. (2006). Is extremely high life satisfaction during adolescence advantageous? Social Indicators Research, 78, 179–203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tanaka, H., Mollborg, P., Terashima, S., & Borres, M. P. (2005). Comparison between Japanese and Swedish schoolchildren in regards to physical symptoms and psychiatric complaints. Acta Paediatrica, 94, 1661–1666.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Terry, T., & Huebner, E. S. (1995). The relationship between self-concept and life satisfaction in children. Social Indicators Research, 35, 39–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thatcher, W. G., Reininger, B. M., & Drane, J. W. (2002). Using path analysis to examine adolescent suicide attempts, life satisfaction and health risk behavior. Journal of School Health, 72, 71–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ullman, C., & Tatar, M. (2001). Psychological adjustment among Israeli adolescents immigrants: A report on life satisfaction, self-concept, and self-esteem. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 30, 449–464.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Unger, D. G., & Wandersman, L. P. (1988). The relation of family and partner support to the adjustment of adolescent mothers. Child Development, 59, 1056–1060.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Valle, M. F., Huebner, E. S., & Suldo, S. M. (2004). Further evaluation of the Children’s Hope Scale. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 22, 320–337.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Valois, R. F., Paxton, R. J., Zullig, K. J., & Huebner, E. S. (2006). Life satisfaction and violent behaviors among middle school students. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 15, 695–707.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Valois, R. F., Zullig, K. J., Huebner, E. S., & Drane, J. W. (2001). Relationship between life satisfaction and violent behaviours among adolescents. American Journal of Health Behavior, 25, 353–366.

    Google Scholar 

  • Valois, R. F., Zullig, K. J., Huebner, E. S., & Drane, J. W. (2003). Dieting behaviors, weight perceptions, and life satisfaction among public high school adolescents. Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention, 11, 271–288.

    Google Scholar 

  • Valois, R. F., Zullig, K. J., Huebner, E. S., & Drane, J. W. (2004a). Life satisfaction and suicide among high school adolescents. Social Indicators Research, 66, 81–105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Valois, R. F., Zullig, K. J., Huebner, E. S., & Drane, J. W. (2004b). Physical activity behaviors and perceived life satisfaction among public high school adolescents. Journal of School Health, 74, 59–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Valois, R. F., Zullig, K. J., Huebner, E. S., Kammermann, S. K., & Drane, J. W. (2002). Association between life satisfaction and sexual risk-taking behaviors among adolescents. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 11, 427–440.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Selm, K., Sam, D. L., & Van Oudenhoven, J. P. (1997). Life satisfaction and competence of Bosnian refugees in Norway. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 38, 143–149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Veenhoven, R. (1988). The utility of happiness. Social Indicators Research, 20, 333–354.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Veenhoven, R., & Verkuyten, M. (1989). The well-being of only children. Adolescence, 24, 155–166.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verkuyten, M. (1986). The impact of ethnic and sex differences on happiness among adolescents in the Netherlands. Journal of Social Psychology, 126, 259–260.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verkuyten, M. (1989). Happiness among adolescents in the Netherlands: Ethnic and sex differences. Psychological Reports, 65, 577–578.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vilhjalmsson, R. (1994). Effects of social support on self-assessed health in adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 23, 437–452.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vilhjalmsson, R., & Thorlindsson, T. (1992). The integrative and physiological effects of sport participation: A study of adolescents. Sociological Quarterly, 33, 637–647.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Virta, E., Sam, D. L., & Westin, C. (2004). Adolescents with Turkish background in Norway and Sweden: A comparative study of their psychological adaptation. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 45, 15–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wenk, D. A., Hardesty, C. L., Morgan, C. S., & Blair, S. L. (1994). The influence of parental involvement on the well-being of sons and daughters. Journal of Marriage & the Family, 56, 229–234.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • West, M. O., & Prinz, R. J. (1987). Parental alcoholism and childhood psychopathology. Psychological Bulletin, 102, 204–218.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, S. M., Henry, C. S., & Peterson, G. W. (1997). Life satisfaction among low-income rural youth from Appalachia. Journal of Adolescence, 20, 443–459.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, S. M., & Peterson, G. W. (1988). Life satisfaction among young adults from rural families. Family Relations, 37, 84–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wood, V., Whylie, M., & Sheafor, B. (1969). An analysis of a short self-report measure of life satisfaction: Correlation with rater judgments. Journal of Gerontology, 24, 465–469.

    Google Scholar 

  • Young, M. H., Miller, B. C., Norton, M. C., & Hill, E. J. (1995). The effect of parental supportive behaviors on life satisfaction of adolescent offspring. Journal of Marriage and Family, 57, 813–822.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zimmerman, M. A., Salem, D. A., & Maton, K. I. (1995). Family structure and psychosocial correlates among urban African-American adolescent males. Child Development, 66, 1598–1613.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zullig, K. J., Valois, R. F., Huebner, E. S., & Drane, J. W. (2005a). Adolescent health-related quality of life and perceived satisfaction with life. Quality of Life Research: An International Journal of Life Aspects of Treatment, Care and Rehabilitation, 14, 1573–1584.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zullig, K. J., Valois, R. F., Huebner, E. S., & Drane, J. W. (2005b). Associations among family structure, demographics, and adolescent perceived life satisfaction. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 14, 195–206.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zullig, K. J., Valois, R. F., Huebner, E. S., Oeltmann, J. E., & Drane, J. W. (2001). Relationship between perceived life satisfaction and adolescents’ substance abuse. Journal of Adolescent Health, 29, 279–288.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carmel L. Proctor.

Appendix

Appendix

Table 1 Youth life satisfaction

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Proctor, C.L., Linley, P.A. & Maltby, J. Youth Life Satisfaction: A Review of the Literature. J Happiness Stud 10, 583–630 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-008-9110-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-008-9110-9

Keywords

Navigation