Deakin University
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

A 32 year longitudinal study of child and adolescent pathways to well-being in adulthood

journal contribution
posted on 2013-06-01, 00:00 authored by Craig OlssonCraig Olsson, R McGee, S Nada-Raja, S Williams
The purpose of the study was to investigate the relative importance of child and adolescent social and academic pathways to well-being in adulthood (32-years) indicated by a sense of meaning, social engagement, positive coping and prosocial values. Data were drawn from a 15 wave (32-year) longitudinal study of the health and development of around 1000 New Zealanders (Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, New Zealand). Moderate continuity in social connectedness (0.38) and high continuity in academic ability (0.90) was observed across childhood and adolescence. Adolescent social connectedness was a better predictor of adult well-being than academic achievement (0.62 vs. 0.12). There was evidence of an indirect pathway from adolescent academic achievement to adult well-being through social connectedness (0.29). Indicators of well-being in adulthood appear to be better explained by social connection rather than academic competencies pathways. Implications for promoting longer term well-being during the school years are discussed.

History

Journal

Journal of happiness studies

Volume

14

Issue

3

Pagination

1069 - 1083

Publisher

Springer Netherlands

Location

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

ISSN

1389-4978

eISSN

1573-7780

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal