Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Life Satisfaction

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Encyclopedia of Adolescence

Overview

Adolescent life satisfaction is a key indicator of mental health and is positively related to a broad spectrum of positive personal, psychological, behavioral, social, interpersonal, and intrapersonal outcomes (see Proctor et al. 2008 for a review). Historically, adolescent life satisfaction has been overlooked and understudied along with various other positive indicators of optimal functioning among youth. However, with the advent of positive psychology, there has been a significant resurgence of the study of optimal functioning and well-being during the past decade. Traditionally, positive psychological function was informed from the absence of psychopathological symptoms. However, recent evidence suggests that high psychopathology can be accompanied by high subjective well-being (SWB), just as low psychopathology can be accompanied by low SWB (Greenspoon and Saklofske 2001). That is, an individual may display symptoms of psychopathology and still be highly satisfied with...

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

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 2,900.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 549.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

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

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Alfonso, V. C., Allison, D. B., Rader, D. E., & Gorman, B. S. (1996). The extended satisfaction with life scale: Development and psychometric properties. Social Indicators Research, 38, 275–301.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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 

  • 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.

    Article  PubMed  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  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bronk, K. C., & Finch, H. W. (2010). Adolescent characteristics by type of long-term aim in life. Applied Developmental Science, 14(1), 35–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bronk, K. C., Hill, P. L., Lapsley, D. K., Talib, T. L., & Finch, H. (2009). Purpose, hope, and life satisfaction in three age groups. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 4(6), 500–510.

    Article  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.

    Article  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 

  • 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 

  • Chow, H. P. H. (2007). Sense of belonging and life satisfaction among Hong Kong adolescent immigrants in Canada. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 33(3), 511–520.

    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 

  • Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2002). Flow: The classic work on how to achieve happiness. London: Rider.

    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 

  • Dew, T., & Huebner, E. S. (1994). Adolescents’ perceived quality of life: An exploratory investigation. Journal of School Psychology, 33(2), 185–199.

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

    Article  PubMed  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 

  • Eid, M., & Diener, E. (2004). Global judgements of subjective well-being: Situational variability and long-term stability. Social Indicators Research, 65, 245–277.

    Article  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 

  • Froh, J. J., Sefick, W. J., & Emmons, R. A. (2008). Counting blessings in early adolescents: An experimental study of gratitude and subjective well-being. Journal of School Psychology, 46, 213–233.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Froh, J. J., Bono, G., & Emmons, R. (2010a). Being grateful is beyond good manners: Gratitude and motivation to contribute to society among early adolescents. Motivation and Emotion, 34, 144–157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Froh, J. J., Kashdan, T. B., Yurkewicz, C., Fan, J., Allen, J., & Glowacki, J. (2010b). The benefits of passion and absorption in activities: Engaged living in adolescents and its role in psychological well-being. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 5(4), 311–332.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Georgiades, K., & Boyle, M. H. (2007). Adolescent tobacco and cannabis use: Young adult outcomes from the Ontario Child Health Study. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 48(7), 724–731.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gillham, J., Adams-Deutsch, Z., Werner, J., Reivich, K., Coulter-Heindl, V., Linkins, M., et al. (2011). Character strengths predict subjective well-being during adolescence. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 6(1), 31–44.

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

    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. (2004). Structured extracurricular activities among adolescents: Findings and implications for school psychologists. Psychology in the Schools, 41(1), 31–41.

    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 

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

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greenberg, M. T., Siegel, J. M., & Leitch, C. J. (1983b). The nature and importance of attachment relationships to parents and peers during adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 12(5), 373–386. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02088721.

    Article  PubMed  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 

  • 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  PubMed  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  PubMed  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 

  • Hirschi, A. (2009). Career adaptability development in adolescence: Multiple predictors and effect on sense of power and life satisfaction. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 74, 145–155.

    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 

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

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

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huebner, E. S. (2006). Life satisfaction. In G. G. Bear & K. M. Minke (Eds.), Children’s needs III: Development, prevention, and intervention (pp. 357–368). Bethesda: National Association of School Psychologists.

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

    Article  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  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kwan, Y. K. (2010). Life satisfaction and self-assessed health among adolescents in Hong Kong. Journal of Happiness Studies, 11, 383–393.

    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 

  • 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 

  • 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: Pergamon.

    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 

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

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma, C. Q., & Huebner, E. S. (2008). Attachment relationships and adolescents’ life satisfaction: Some relationships matter more to girls than boys. Psychology in the Schools, 45(2), 177–190.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manzi, C., Vignoles, V. L., Regalia, C., & Scabini, E. (2006). Cohesion and enmeshment revisited: Differentiation, identity, and well-being in two European cultures. Journal of Marriage and Family, 68(3), 673–689.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marks, N. (2004). The power and potential of well-being indicators: Measuring young people’s well-being in Nottingham. http://www.bath.ac.uk/econ-dev/wellbeing/news/hanse-pdfs/nottingham-pdf

  • Martin, K. M., & Huebner, E. S. (2007). Peer victimization and prosocial experiences and emotional well-being of middle school students. Psychology in the Schools, 44(2), 199–208.

    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 

  • 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 

  • Milevsky, A., Schlechter, M., Netter, S., & Keehn, D. (2007). Maternal and paternal parenting styles in adolescents: Associations with self-esteem, depression and life-satisfaction. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 16(1), 39–47.

    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  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nakamura, J., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2002). The concept of flow. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Handbook of positive psychology (pp. 89–105). New York: Oxford University Press.

    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 

  • 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 

  • O’Brien, G. E., Feather, N. T., & Kabanoff, B. (1994). Quality of activities and the adjustment of unemployed youth. Australian Journal of Psychology, 46(1), 29–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

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

    Article  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., & Peterson, C. (2006). 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.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pavot, W., & Diener, E. (1993). Review of the satisfaction with life scale. Psychological Assessment, 5, 164–172.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paxton, R. J., Valios, R. F., Huebner, E. S., & Drane, J. W. (2006). Opportunity for adult bonding/meaningful neighborhood roles and life-satisfaction among USA middle school students. Social Indicators Research, 79(2), 291–312.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Piko, B. F. (2006). Satisfaction with life, psychosocial health and materialism among Hungarian youth. Journal of Health Psychology, 11(6), 827–837.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Piko, B. F., & Hamvai, C. (2010). Parent, school and peer-related correlates of adolescents’ life satisfaction. Children and Youth Services Review, 32, 1479–1482.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Powdthavee, N., & Vignoles, A. (2008). Mental health of parents and life satisfaction of children: A within-family analysis of intergenerational transmission of well-being. Social Indicators Research, 88, 397–422.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Proctor, C. (2014). Enhancing well-being in youth: Positive psychology interventions for education in Britain. In M. J. Furlong, R. Gilman, & E. S. Huebner (Eds.), Handbook of positive psychology in schools (2nd ed., pp. 416–432). New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Proctor, C., & Linley, P. A. (2014). Life satisfaction in youth. In G. A. Fava & C. Ruini (Eds.), Increasing psychological well-being in clinical and educational settings: Cross-cultural advancements in positive psychology. New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Proctor, C. L., Linley, P. A., & Maltby, J. (2008). Youth life satisfaction: A review of the literature. Journal of Happiness Studies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-008-9110-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Proctor, C. L., Linley, P. A., & Maltby, J. (2009). Youth life satisfaction measures: A review. Journal of Positive Psychology, 4, 128–144.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Proctor, C., Tsukayama, E., Wood, A. M., Maltby, J., Fox Eades, J. M., & Linley, P. A. (2011). Strengths gym: The impact of a character strengths-based intervention on the life satisfaction and well-being of adolescents. Journal of Positive Psychology, 6(5), 377–388. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2011.594079.

    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 

  • Rohde, P., Lewinsohn, P. M., Seeley, J. R., & Klein, D. N. (2007). Psychosocial functioning of adults who experienced substance use disorders as adolescents. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 21(2), 155–164.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Saloumi, C., & Plourde, H. (2010). Differences in psychological correlates of excess weight between adolescents and young adults in Canada. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 15(3), 314–325.

    Article  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 

  • Seaton, E. K., Caldwell, C. H., Sellers, R. M., & Jackson, J. S. (2008). The prevalence of perceived discrimination among African American and Caribbean black youth. Developmental Psychology, 44(5), 1288–1297.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Seaton, E. K., Caldwell, C. H., Sellers, R. M., & Jackson, J. S. (2010). An intersectional approach for understanding perceived discrimination and psychological well-being among African American and Caribbean Black Youth. Developmental Psychology, 46, 1372–1379.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  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 

  • Shek, D. T., Lee, B. M., & Lee, T. Y. (2006). Frequency, satisfaction and quality dimensions of perceived parent-adolescent communication among Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong. Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 18(2), 259–270.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shin, D., & Johnson, D. M. (1978). Avowed happiness as an overall assessment of the quality of life. Social Indicators Research, 5, 475–492.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shogren, K. A., Lopez, S. J., Wehmeyer, M. L., Little, T. D., & Pressgrove, C. (2006). The role of positive psychology constructs in predicting life satisfaction in adolescents with and without cognitive disabilities: An exploratory study. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 1, 37–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suldo, S. M., & Huebner, E. S. (2004a). Does life satisfaction moderate the effects of stressful events on psychopathological behavior 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 

  • Suldo, S. M., Riley, K. N., & Shaffer, E. J. (2006). Academic correlates of children and adolescents’ life satisfaction. School Psychology International, 27(5), 567–582.

    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  PubMed  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 

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

    Article  PubMed  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.

    Article  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  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Valois, R. F., Paxton, R. J., Zullig, K. J., & Huebner, E. S. (2010). Substance abuse behaviors and life satisfaction among middle school adolescents. Adolescent and Family Health, 5(1), 27–37.

    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 

  • 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  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Winkelmann, R. (2006). Parental separation and well-being of youths: Evidence from Germany. Journal of Socio-Economics, 35(2), 197–208.

    Article  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 

  • 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  PubMed  Google Scholar 

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

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Positive Psychology Research Centre, PO Box 544, St Peter Port, Guernsey

    Carmel Proctor & John Maltby

  2. Centre of Applied Positive Psychology, The Venture Centre, University of Warwick Science Park, Sir William Lyons Road, Coventry, UK

    P. Alex Linley

Authors
  1. Carmel Proctor
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. P. Alex Linley
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. John Maltby
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carmel Proctor .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    Roger J. R. Levesque

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Proctor, C., Alex Linley, P., Maltby, J. (2018). Life Satisfaction. In: Levesque, R.J.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Adolescence. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33228-4_125

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation