Life Satisfaction Trajectories of Chinese Youth During the Transition From Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood

• In Event: Fostering Students' Development and Learning During Middle School, College, and Emerging Adulthood

Abstract

This study examined the trajectories of life satisfaction among a sample of 504 Chinese youth from adolescence (age 16) to emerging adulthood (age 24), using five waves of data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). The multilevel growth model revealed that life satisfaction increased from ages 16 to 18, peaked at age 18, fell until age 20, and then remained stable from ages 20 to 24. The finding of a reverse U-shaped developmental pattern of life satisfaction with a peak point at age 18 has important implications for Chinese parents, educators, and policymakers. This research extends the current understanding of life satisfaction during a critical period of transition in the Chinese population.

Authors

• Fan Shuming, East China Normal University

• Jing Zhang, East China Normal University