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Relations among Family Dysfunction, Loneliness and Life Satisfaction in Chinese Children: a Longitudinal Mediation Model

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  • Qingqing Nie

    (South China Normal University
    South China Normal University
    South China Normal University)

  • Lili Tian

    (South China Normal University
    South China Normal University
    South China Normal University)

  • E. Scott Huebner

    (University of South Carolina)

Abstract

Although children’s life satisfaction is known to be closely linked to family dysfunction, the nature and magnitude of longitudinal associations between family dysfunction and children’s life satisfaction remain to be clarified. This 12-month longitudinal study examined the relations among family dysfunction, loneliness and life satisfaction in children using a longitudinal mediation model. A total of 926 children of ages 8 to 11 (423 males, Mage = 9.52 years) completed self-report questionnaires assessing family dysfunction, loneliness, and life satisfaction on three occasions at 6-month intervals. After sex, grade, parental education levels, and family economic status were included as covariates, the results showed that family dysfunction negatively predicted later life satisfaction. Moreover, loneliness at Time 2 completely mediated the relation between family dysfunction at Time 1 and life satisfaction at Time 3. However, life satisfaction did not predict subsequent loneliness and family dysfunction. The findings yield implications for interventions to promote children’s life satisfaction.

Suggested Citation

  • Qingqing Nie & Lili Tian & E. Scott Huebner, 2020. "Relations among Family Dysfunction, Loneliness and Life Satisfaction in Chinese Children: a Longitudinal Mediation Model," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 13(3), pages 839-862, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:chinre:v:13:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s12187-019-09650-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s12187-019-09650-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amanda Nickerson & Richard Nagle, 2004. "The Influence of Parent and Peer Attachments on Life Satisfaction in Middle Childhood and Early Adolescence," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 66(1), pages 35-60, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yei-Whei Lin & Chien-Hsiu Lin & Chih-Nan Chen, 2023. "Opportunities for Happiness and Its Determinants Among Children in China: A Study of Three Waves of the China Family Panel Studies Survey," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 16(2), pages 551-579, April.
    2. Jiang, Chaoxin & Song, Hao, 2024. "Feeling adequately heard by Adults, perceived safety and Children’s life Satisfaction: A multinational comparison of individualist and collectivist cultures across 18 countries," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).

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