The influence of parent and peer attachments on life satisfaction in middle childhood and early adolescence

Abstract

Satisfaction in different life domains was examined with respect to parent and peer attachment relationships in middle childhood and early adolescence. Three hundred three students, evenly distributed across sex and grade (fourth, sixth, and eighth) were administered People in My Life, a measure of attachment relationships, and the Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale. Children and early adolescents in this sample generally reported high levels of life satisfaction. Some sex and grade differences in satisfaction with various life domains emerged. Attachments to both parents and peers predicted life satisfaction, although the influence of these relationships varied as a function of grade level and life domain. Findings are reviewed in relation to past research, and implications for professional practice are discussed.