The Sources of Happiness in Preadolescence and Adolescence

A Multi-Method and Multi-Informant Perspective

Bibliographic Data

ID12959014
AuthorsFlavia Izzo (0000-0003-0932-9454, Sapienza University of Rome, corresponding author), Edoardo Saija (0000-0001-7976-1846, Sapienza University of Rome), Susanna Pallini (0000-0003-4067-0343, Roma Tre University), Salvatore Ioverno (0000-0001-9970-9666, Roma Tre University), Roberto Baiocco (0000-0002-6372-3762, Sapienza University of Rome), Jessica Pistella (0000-0002-4133-0503, Sapienza University of Rome)
Year2024
Volume17
Issue3
Pages953-983
Publication date2024-03-16
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChild Indicators Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1874-8988 • E-ISSN: 1874-897X
PublisherSpringer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1007/s12187-024-10113-w
OpenAlexW4392880842
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited79

Research on happiness in preadolescence and adolescence has been limited regarding the sources of happiness. The present study aims to explore such sources in preadolescents and adolescents through a multi-method and multi-informant approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 77 family triads: children (age range: 11–19; M = 13.90, SD = 2.70; 61% female), mothers ( M = 47.50, SD = 4.35), and fathers ( M = 50.53, SD = 5.30). The triads were asked to define happiness from children’s perspective, describe what makes children happy, and indicate children’s levels of happiness. Using quantitative data, preadolescents exhibited higher individual happiness levels than adolescents, and fathers reported higher levels of children’s happiness than mothers. Through Thematic Analysis, five primary sources of happiness emerged: Social relationships , Family relationships , Personal interests , Achievement , and Entertainment . Social relationships was the most recurring theme across the narratives of both preadolescents/adolescents and parents. The second most recurring theme was Personal interests for preadolescents/adolescents and Family relationships for parents. Parents notably more frequently mentioned Achievement than children. Males displayed a higher propensity to report the Entertainment theme than females, while females reported the Family relationships and Social relationships themes more frequently. Preadolescents exhibited a higher occurrence of the Entertainment and Family relationships themes than adolescents. Regarding the concordance of themes between children and their parents, low overall levels of agreement were observed, all below 40%. The highest levels of concordance were found between mothers and fathers rather than between parents and children. The results could provide valuable insights to parents and educators on how to help youth promote their happiness

Developmental psychology · Early childhood education · Happiness · Perspective (graphical · Political science · Preadolescence · Public health · Quality of Life Research · Computer Science · Medicine · Optimism, Hope, and Well-being · Psychological and Temporal Perspectives Research · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology · Social Psychology · Social Work

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