Predictors of domain-specific aspects of subjective well-being among school going adolescents in Uruguay

Abstract

Research shows that subjective well-being (swb) is of high relevance in the developmental period of adolescence, with many researchers emphasizing the importance of a concrete and multidimensional conceptualization. In this study, we aim to explore the predictors of domain-specific aspects of swb in a sample of students between 12 and 18 years old in Uruguay. The Personal Wellbeing Index was used to assess the global level of swb and the scores of the seven swb domains (standard of living, health, achievements, relationships with others [peers and family], safety, community-connectedness, and future security). The Adolescent Self-Report, the National Alcohol Survey, and the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test were used to assess psychopathology, resilience, alcohol and marijuana use, respectively. Adolescents reported the highest satisfaction with the domain of community-connectedness and the least with the safety domain. Multivariate linear regression analyses indi-cated the existence of domain-specific determinants for the different domains of swb. The safety domain was most influenced by the selected variables of in-terest, while these had a rather limited impact on the health domain. The paper discusses implications for prevention and clinical interventions in the context of schools, consultation to parents and teachers, and psychological assessment and treatment.