University of Malta. Centre for Resilience & Socio-Emotional Health
Abstract
This study examines how family functioning, the parent-child relationship and personal
factors are related to happiness in 1549 children aged 7 to 14 years old (53% females) in Italy. Children and pre-adolescents completed a set of questionnaires on self-rated happiness, self-concept and loneliness. At least one of their parents filled in questionnaires on family functioning, attachment and their child’s happiness level. No
gender differences were found in the direct measure of happiness, but younger
participants were happier than older participants, according to both the children’s and
parents’ evaluations. Happiness is influenced by positive self-concept, self-esteem and
low levels of satisfaction but family functioning does not seem to play a major role. The
clinical and social implications of the study are discussed.peer-reviewe