Pathways for Resilience Predictors of Life Satisfaction During Emerging Adulthood

Abstract

Adolescence and emerging adulthood (EA) are developmental time periods often characterized by increased stress due to significant transitions and transformations across multiple domains of life (Arnett, 2000; Arnett, 2001; Steinberg, & Morris, 2001). Resilience, or the ability to adapt, preserve, and thrive in the face of stressors and challenges, requires individuals have skills that allow them to experience there key protective factors: healthy attachments and connections, positive emotions, and sense of purpose (Luthar, Cicchetti, & Becker, 2000; Masten, 2001; Masten, 2011; Rutten et al., 2013). In terms of mental health and wellness, resilience requires more than a reduction in symptoms of mental illness, but also high subjective wellbeing and life satisfaction (Greenspoon & Saklofske, 2001; Suldo & Shaffer, 2008). This study looked at the relationships between the three key factors for resilience on different aspects of life satisfaction during the EA years. Findings showed that a strong sense of purpose was particularly important for maintaining life satisfaction. Healthy attachments were also important, but only as a lone predictor.