Children's subjective well-being in disadvantaged situations

This study explores the differences in subjective well-being (SWB) between young adolescents living in disadvantaged situations and the general population of the same age, using data from a large representative sample (N=... [ view full abstract ]

This study explores the differences in subjective well-being (SWB) between young adolescents living in disadvantaged situations and the general population of the same age, using data from a large representative sample (N= 5381) of Spanish 1st year secondary students (mean age 12.08) Self-administered questionnaires were used at (randomly selected) schools to measure the Domains Satisfaction General Index (DSGI), calculated using the arithmetic mean of 8 indices for life domains. Different dimensions of poverty (education, satisfaction with home, subjective poverty and material conditions) from a multidimensional perspective using the fuzzy method have been calculated. All of the analysed dimensions are negative predictors for the DSGI and a MANOVA reveals significant differences between the means of those children who consider themselves poorer and those of children who perceive themselves wealthier than others, for all of the dimensions studied. The discussion on which contextual factors influence subjective well-being and how this varies between sub-groups of children has important implications for policy, research and practice.