Predictive factors for subjective happiness and satisfaction with life in
Romanian young adults
Authors
A.E. Bernath Vincze
M. Roth
P.T. Haragus
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
