Examining Multidimensional Life-Satisfaction and Psychological Well-being Among School-Going Adolescents in a Rural Area

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical developmental phase marked by identity formation, behavioural changes, and mental health challenges. This study assessed the relationship between satisfaction with family, friends, and school, and psychological well-being among 250 adolescents in Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional design, participants were conveniently sampled and completed validated measures of life satisfaction and psychological well-being. The results confirmed all three hypotheses: satisfaction with family, friends, and school significantly and positively predicted psychological well-being. Satisfaction with family was found to be a foundational aspect, as strong family support fosters emotional resilience and stability, which are vital for well-being. Similarly, satisfaction with friends played a crucial role, highlighting the importance of social connectedness and peer support in adolescence. School satisfaction also emerged as a significant predictor, suggesting that positive school environments contribute to adolescents’ sense of achievement and competence. These findings underscore the importance of supportive social relationships in fostering adolescents’ psychological well-being. The study highlights the need for interventions targeting family dynamics, peer relationships, and school environments to enhance mental health among adolescents. It was suggested that future studies adopt longitudinal designs to explore the long-term effects of these factors on well-being and address potential limitations such as the use of self-report measures and the moderate reliability of the psychological well-being scale used in this study.