How Do Time Use and Social Relationships Affect the Life Satisfaction Trajectory of Korean Adolescents?

Hyemee Kim, Heyjin Moon, Joan P. Yoo and Eunji Nam
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Hyemee Kim: Department of Social Welfare, Institute of Social Science Research, Incheon National University, 119 Academy Road, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon 22012, Korea
Heyjin Moon: Seoul Welfare Foundation, 21 Baekbeom-ro 31-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04147, Korea
Joan P. Yoo: Department of Social Welfare, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwan-ak Gu, Seoul 08226, Korea
Eunji Nam: School of Social Work, College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12805 Pegasus Drive, Orlando, FL 32816, USA

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-12

Abstract: This study investigated the life satisfaction trajectory of Korean adolescents, and factors associated with changes in life satisfaction. Specifically, we focused on how changes in time use and social relationships were associated with changes in life satisfaction. Using three waves of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey, we conducted a series of multilevel growth curve modeling analyses. The results indicate that Korean adolescents’ life satisfaction decreased over a three-year period, and that time spent on leisure and sleeping were both significant predictors of changes in life satisfaction. Life satisfaction decreased at a slower rate for adolescents whose relationships with peers and teachers positively increased over time. Findings highlight the importance of ensuring adequate amount of sleep and providing various opportunities for leisure activities in improving Korean adolescents’ life satisfaction. Furthermore, social relationships, specifically with teachers and peers should be the focus of prevention and intervention for adolescents to maintain and improve their level of life satisfaction.

Keywords: Life satisfaction trajectory; Korean adolescents; time use; social relationships; Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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