LIFE SATISFACTION IN ADOLESCENTS: THE EFFECTS OF PERCEIVED FAMILY ECONOMIC STATUS, SELF-ESTEEM AND QUALITY OF FAMILY AND PEER RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

In this research we aimed to determine to what extent socio-demographic variables, subjective material well-being, aspects of social relationships and personal resources predict adolescents’ life satisfaction. The study included a representative sample of 2823 Croatian high school students. The participants completed scales measuring their perception of parental child-rearing practices, family cohesion, support from a close friend and global self-worth. The structured questions were used to assess students’ global satisfaction with life, perception of economic status of their family and socio-demographic variables. The results of multiple regression analyses showed that adolescents’ life satisfaction could be best explained by their higher self-esteem, family cohesion and parental support, and higher perceived material well-being. Significant interaction effects were also found which indicate that self-esteem and support from a close friend moderate negative effects of perceived material disadvantage on adolescents’ life satisfaction.