Montréal, December 11, 2019. – Among young people born in Québec in the late 1990s, nearly 9 out of 10 said they are satisfied or very satisfied with their lives at the age of 19. This was revealed in a study released by the Institut de la statistique du Québec that highlights some predictors of life satisfaction during the transition to adulthood.
Main characteristics associated with the probability of being satisfied or very satisfied with life at age 19
Among the examined variables, some appear to be more strongly associated with the probability of young people being satisfied or very satisfied with their lives at the age of 19, regardless of gender:
- having a high school or vocational diploma;
- being relatively unpreoccupied with their career choice;
- having relatively low or moderate anxiety levels (rather than high);
- being physically active, to some extent, in their spare time;
- being satisfied or very satisfied with the relationship with their mother or father;
- benefiting from average or high levels of social support from those around them.
Some factors are more important for men than for women
Other factors contribute positively to the level of satisfaction with life at age 19, but only for men:
- feeling little or no anxiety or stress at age 17 due to loneliness;
- have a romantic partner at age 19.
In addition, having enough money to meet basic needs or being financially comfortable increases the chances of a young person being satisfied or very satisfied with their lives for both men and women, but the effect is more marked in men.
These results are based on data from the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD).
About the QLSCD
The QLSCD is a longitudinal survey conducted by the Institut de la statistique du Québec on a cohort of children born in Québec in 1997-1998 who have been monitored since the age of about 5 months. The main goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of the factors in early childhood that lead to success or failure in the education system. Given its multidisciplinary nature, the QLSCD meets many other research objectives related to the development of children and young people. This study is funded by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, the Ministère de la Famille, the Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon, the Institut de la statistique du Québec, the CHU Sainte-Justine, the IRSST and the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur.
To read the study: La satisfaction à l’égard de la vie lors du passage à l’âge adulte
To learn more about the QLSCD: www.IamIllbe.stat.gouv.qc.ca
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.