Differences in Subjective and Psychological Well-Being of Romanian Adolescents over a Four-Year Period and its Relationship with Free Time

Claudia Tejada-Gallardo (), Sergiu Bălţătescu (), Carles Alsinet () and Claudia Bacter ()
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Claudia Tejada-Gallardo: Universitat de Lleida
Sergiu Bălţătescu: University of Oradea
Carles Alsinet: Universitat de Lleida
Claudia Bacter: University of Oradea

Child Indicators Research, 2024, vol. 17, issue 3, No 2, 985-999

Abstract: Abstract The aim of this study is to explore changes in subjective well-being (life satisfaction and positive affect), as well as psychological well-being among Romanian adolescents over a 4-year period using data from the Children’s Worlds project (Waves 2 and 3). Participants were 12-year-olds (N = 1,504 in 2015; N = 1,145 in 2019). The findings indicated a decline in positive affect and psychological prosperity with the passage of time, while life satisfaction remained constant. To investigate factors influencing the decline, we examined the relationships between well-being and the amount of time adolescents spent in their free time (leisure and duties), as well as their satisfaction with their free time. Leisure activities predicted both well-being measures over time. Duties predicted subjective well-being at both waves but only predicted psychological well-being in Wave 3. Satisfaction with free time predicted both well-being approaches only in Wave 3. The findings suggest that factors related to free time do not contribute to declines in well-being, as they show positive associations with subjective and psychological well-being. The declines likely stem from other unexplored variables, underscoring the need for additional research on contributors to the well-being of Romanian adolescents, particularly following disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: Subjective well-being; Psychological well-being; Free time; Adolescents; Repeated cross-sectional design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s12187-024-10114-9

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