Life satisfaction decreases during adolescence

Qual Life Res. 2007 Aug;16(6):969-79. doi: 10.1007/s11136-007-9205-5. Epub 2007 Apr 12.

Abstract

Objective: Adolescence is a developmental phase associated with significant somatic and psychosocial changes. So far there are few studies on developmental aspects of life satisfaction. This cross-sectional study examines the effects of age and gender on adolescent's life satisfaction.

Methods: 1,274 German adolescents (aged 11-16 years) participated in a school-based survey study. They completed the adolescent version of the Questions on Life Satisfaction (FLZ(M) - Fragen zur Lebenszufriedenheit), a multidimensional instrument measuring the subjective importance and satisfaction with eight domains of general and eight domains of health-related life satisfaction. Effects of gender and age were analysed using ANOVAs.

Results: Girls reported significantly lower general (F = 5.0; p = .025) and health-related life satisfaction (F = 25.3; p < .001) compared to boys. In both genders and across nearly all life domains, there was a significant decrease in general (F = 14.8; p < .001) and health-related life satisfaction (F = 8.0; p < .001) between 11 and 16 years. Satisfaction with friends remained on a high level, whereas satisfaction with family relations decreased. Only satisfaction with partnership/sexuality increased slightly, however this effect cannot compensate the general loss of satisfaction.

Conclusions: Decreasing life satisfaction has to be considered as a developmental phenomenon. Associations with the increasing prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation during adolescence are discussed. Life satisfaction should be considered a relevant aspect of adolescent's well-being and functioning.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Development*
  • Age Factors
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Psychology, Adolescent*
  • Psychometrics
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Rural Health
  • School Health Services
  • Self-Assessment
  • Sex Factors
  • Sexuality / psychology
  • Urban Health