Positive affect and life satisfaction in Australian adolescents

Doctorate other than PhD


Rose, Lauren. 2008. Positive affect and life satisfaction in Australian adolescents. Doctorate other than PhD Doctor of Psychology. University of Southern Queensland.
Title

Positive affect and life satisfaction in Australian adolescents

TypeDoctorate other than PhD
Authors
AuthorRose, Lauren
SupervisorBurton, Lorelle
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
Qualification NameDoctor of Psychology
Number of Pages101
Year2008
Abstract

[Abstract]:
Adolescents are disproportionately affected by mental health conditions (Vimpani, Patton, & Hayes, 2002), and one of the key missions of this century is to create a science
of human strengths (Seligman & Peterson, 2001) by better understanding those factors that contribute to positive life outcomes for young people. The Broaden-and-Build
Theory of positive emotions (Fredrickson, 1998) provided a framework for examining the relationship between positive emotions and psychological well-being in Australian
adolescents. This theory asserts that positive emotions exist to solve problems concerned with personal growth and development, and that positive emotions produce upward
spirals of well-being. Study 1 investigated the hypothesis that the variables Broadened Mindset, Self-Efficacy, and Life Meaning mediated the relationship between Positive
Affect and Life Satisfaction. Data indicated that Broadened Mindset and Self-Efficacy variables partially mediated this relationship. These findings support Fredrickson’s
Broaden-and-Build theory, as well as previous research linking feelings of self-efficacy to psychological well-being (Bandura, 1992). Study 2 examined the effect of a youth program, the National Leadership Camp (NLC, Rising Generations, 2006), on participants’ levels of Life Satisfaction, Positive Affect, Broadened Mindset, and Self-
Efficacy over a 3 month period. It was found that participants attending the NLC had significantly higher levels of Life Satisfaction, Positive Affect, and Broadened Mindset following attendance at the NLC; however these significant gains were not maintained over a three month time period. This data suggests that the youth program succeeded in influencing adolescent well-being briefly, however further research is required to investigate how to maintain these improvements in the long-term.

KeywordsAustralia; Australian; adolescents; mental health
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020520399. Clinical and health psychology not elsewhere classified
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