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The Investigation of Gender Differences in Subjective Wellbeing in Children and Adolescents: The UP&DOWN Study

Author

Listed:
  • Sara Esteban-Gonzalo

    (Faculty of Biomedicine, Psychology Department, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain)

  • Laura Esteban-Gonzalo

    (Faculty of Biomedicine, Nursing Department, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
    Faculty of Medicine, Nursing Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain)

  • Verónica Cabanas-Sánchez

    (CEI UAM + CSIC, IMDEA Food Institute, 28049 Madrid, Spain)

  • Marta Miret

    (Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
    Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
    Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-Princesa), 28006 Madrid, Spain)

  • Oscar L. Veiga

    (Department of Physical Education, Sport and Human Movement. Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

Objective: Based on a three-factor model of subjective wellbeing (evaluative, hedonic and eudemonic), the purpose of this study was to analyze gender differences in children and adolescents through three different subjective wellbeing indicators. Method: The sample comprised 1.407 children and adolescents from Cadiz and Madrid (Spain), in the framework of the UP&DOWN study. Life satisfaction was measured with the subjective happiness scale, positive and negative affect were measured with the positive and negative affect schedule, and purpose in life was assessed with the children’s hope scale. Results: Linear regression models indicate the existence of significant gender differences only in adolescents, with higher scores among girls in positive affect ( p = 0.016) and negative affect ( p < 0.001) but with lower scores in purpose in life ( p = 0.024). Conclusions: These results highlight the role of gender as an important factor in explaining differences in subjective wellbeing. Additionally, results indicate that gender differences in subjective wellbeing are observed in adolescents, but not in children, suggesting that the gender gap in subjective wellbeing begins at the age of 12. Mental health practitioners should pay attention to these findings in order to implement screening methods and interventions focused on these needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Esteban-Gonzalo & Laura Esteban-Gonzalo & Verónica Cabanas-Sánchez & Marta Miret & Oscar L. Veiga, 2020. "The Investigation of Gender Differences in Subjective Wellbeing in Children and Adolescents: The UP&DOWN Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-11, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:8:p:2732-:d:345947
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Son, Woo-Jung & Bae, Sung-Man, 2022. "The relationship between human rights, negative affect, bullying victimization, and life satisfaction among Korean adolescents: A national sample study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).

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