Adolescent Subjective Well-being in their Social Contexts

A great deal of scientific and lay interest in adolescence exists at the moment in Western countries. While adolescent problems and ill-being continuously receive publicity in the media, resources and well-being of adolescents do not seem to be a current topic of interest. Previous studies no doubt revealed a constant upward trend in or at least a considerable presence of adolescent ill-being, such as smoking and drinking habits, drug abuse, perceived stress, psychosomatic symptoms, and mental disorders. There is also an increasing trend to attribute reasons and responsibility for adolescent behaviour and problems. Several study results highlight the importance of a close relationship with parents or a significant adult, and peer relationships as well as school satisfaction for adolescent development and well-being. This book provides new knowledge of the intense and complex relations between adolescent subjective well-being, values, school and family. The study findings provide a basis for the assessment of adolescent subjective well-being and realised values and for understanding the diversity of personal, familial and social well-being in adolescence.