Subjective Well-being and Social Relationships of Young Adults

Abstract

Background: The transition to young adulthood is a period of life with many changes, developmental tasks, uncertainties and important decisions in life. Recently this age period is being studied under the headline "emerging adulthood". Usually young adults are physically in good health, whereas mental health and subjective well-being (SWB) are more heterogeneous. This study focuses on the role of social relationships for SWB. Methods: Data from the population representative study German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) are analysed cross-sectionally. The outcomes affective balance, global life satisfaction and domain satisfaction based on the 2011 data set are of special interest. Findings: The association of social relationships and SWB in young adulthood will be presented. The meanings of social support, quality of friendships and relationships to relatives are shown. Especially close friendships seem to be an important determinant of SWB. Discussion: The importance of social relationships for SWB is discussed. Young adults should be more in focus as a target group for health psychologists and in health promotion as this is a sensitive life period concerning health and well-being.