The effects of home and school on children’s happiness: a structural equation model

Abstract

This study analyzed the structural relationships between the important constructs of school, home and family, and the happiness of Abu Dhabi school children. Survey data were collected from students in schools in the three regions of Abu Dhabi. The final dataset from 14,837 students was analyzed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and MANOVA were employed in the study. SEM examined the association between latent constructs. For SEM, goodness of fit indices for the hypothetical model were good, and all paths were significant. The model incorporating both indirect and direct impact of home-related variables, such as how much fun did one have with their family, how did the family members get along, and how much time parents spent with their children, on the happiness of Abu Dhabi school children is valid. MANOVA showed that for all constructs, significant differences existed with regard to student gender, grade level, school location, school type, and nationality.