Predictive factors for subjective happiness and satisfaction with life in Romanian young adults

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the importance of adolescent pathways to well-being to early ages of adulthood indicated by satisfaction with life and happiness. Data were drawn from a 2 wave (3 year) longitudinal study of the health and development of around 2000 Romanian, nationally representative sample of adolescent and young adults. In the first wave, a series of psychological factors were assessed by an online questionnaire that included: self-rated health, risk behaviors, positive resources, and aspects of social cohesion and socioeconomic status. Happiness and life satisfactions were assessed as outcomes in the second wave. Results: Romanian adolescents reported many health problems, average mental health and high occurrence of risk behaviors. Levels of subjective happiness and life satisfaction were lower compared to European averages. Inequalities in happiness and life satisfaction were mostly related to low socio-economic situation, lack of appropriate social cohesion and presence of risk factors