Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the relative importance of child and adolescent social and academic pathways to
well-being in adulthood (32-years) indicated by a sense of meaning, social engagement, positive coping and prosocial values.
Data were drawn from a 15 wave (32-year) longitudinal study of the health and development of around 1000 New Zealanders (Dunedin
Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, New Zealand). Moderate continuity in social connectedness (0.38) and high
continuity in academic ability (0.90) was observed across childhood and adolescence. Adolescent social connectedness was a
better predictor of adult well-being than academic achievement (0.62 vs. 0.12). There was evidence of an indirect pathway
from adolescent academic achievement to adult well-being through social connectedness (0.29). Indicators of well-being in
adulthood appear to be better explained by social connection rather than academic competencies pathways. Implications for
promoting longer term well-being during the school years are discussed.
well-being in adulthood (32-years) indicated by a sense of meaning, social engagement, positive coping and prosocial values.
Data were drawn from a 15 wave (32-year) longitudinal study of the health and development of around 1000 New Zealanders (Dunedin
Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, New Zealand). Moderate continuity in social connectedness (0.38) and high
continuity in academic ability (0.90) was observed across childhood and adolescence. Adolescent social connectedness was a
better predictor of adult well-being than academic achievement (0.62 vs. 0.12). There was evidence of an indirect pathway
from adolescent academic achievement to adult well-being through social connectedness (0.29). Indicators of well-being in
adulthood appear to be better explained by social connection rather than academic competencies pathways. Implications for
promoting longer term well-being during the school years are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Research Paper
- Pages 1-15
- DOI 10.1007/s10902-012-9369-8
- Authors
- Craig A. Olsson, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Rob McGee, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Shyamala Nada-Raja, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Sheila M. Williams, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Journal Journal of Happiness Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-7780
- Print ISSN 1389-4978