Life Satisfaction in childhood: Latin American Immigrant Children in Chile*

Abstract

The goal of the current study was to evaluate life satisfaction in a sample of 300 immigrant children aged between 8 and 13 years old. Satisfaction in different domains and overall life, was evaluated using the General Domain Satisfaction Index and the Overall Life Satisfaction index, respectively. These instruments were also applied to a sample of 300 non-immigrant children of similar age. Statistically significant differences were found only in the 12–13 years group, where the mean scores for immigrants were lower than those for natives, on the domains of family and home, material goods, interpersonal relationships, health, and use of time. Additionally, immigrants had higher mean scores on the domains of area of residence, school, and personal satisfaction. These results allow us to reflect on the influence of society in all domains throughout their lives. Thus, these findings contribute toward the creation of policies that integrate migrants.