Life satisfaction (LS) and well-being have become a focal point of interest not only in society, but also in the economy. Therefore, promoting LS and well-being among young people has recently emerged as a significant social concern, which in turn means that the answer to the question “What makes young people feel good and be satisfied with life?” has become a key issue. In other words, measuring their levels of LS and well-being, as well as identifying the behaviours which explain the results obtained, is crucial for decision-makers to be able to take measures that promote the overall improvement of LS and well-being among this population. 

Previous studies have indicated that some social factors, education and/or work, physical exercise, a healthy lifestyle, certain feelings, emotions and/or disorders seem to be strong explanatory factors for LS and well-being. In fact, current debates in society have shown that social relationships, as well as their continuity, help from family and friends, and social integration may be significant support factors for young people. In addition, more recent studies have found that it is during youth that life satisfaction declines most rapidly in all world regions.

Since few research studies concentrate on Portuguese youth, and none of them analyses in depth the factors which explain LS and well-being, the present study intends to fill this gap by exploring the importance of health-related behaviours, mental health, self-esteem, and social involvement − both at school and at work − for the LS and well-being of young Portuguese. In particular, it seeks: a) to describe the LS and well-being of young Portuguese, and b) to explore and analyse which behaviours determine their LS and well-being.

The data was collected by means of the national YOUTH WELL-BEING survey, carried out by telephone interviews with a sample of 1,500 respondents, representative of the young Portuguese population, stratified by gender, age group and region. In terms of age group, three groups were considered: adolescents (16-18 years), young people (19-22 years) and young adults (23-32 years). The survey was conducted between November 2022 and January 2023 by applying a questionnaire based on several measurement scales used internationally and validated for the Portuguese population. Given that the sample surveyed in this study was representative of Portuguese youth, the results allow conclusions to be drawn for this population and provide information on their LS and well-being and the factors which determine them.

LS was measured using Diener’s LS index (Diener et al., 1985). Young people stated that they were somewhat satisfied with life (fig.  1), with an average value of 5.3 on a 7-point scale of overall life satisfaction.

Boys reported higher levels of LS than girls, while young people (19-22 years) presented higher levels of LS than the other age groups.

Youth well-being was measured using the personal well-being index. Young people reported moderate personal well-being, with an average value of 77 (note that in Western countries the corresponding values for the population in general fall between 70 and 80) (fig. 2). The items used for calculating the index of personal well-being (fig. 2) have values between 66 and 82. The highest average value refers to their satisfaction with personal safety (82), while the lowest refers to their satisfaction with spiritual life and religious beliefs (66). Overall, the average youth LS value is 78.

Once again, boys reported higher levels of well-being than girls. With regard to age, those aged 16-18 presented higher levels of well-being than the rest; in fact, the levels of well-being decline with age.

In the survey, respondents were asked to describe their health-related behaviours in terms of physical exercise, type of diet, and consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.

Regarding physical exercise, almost two-thirds of the respondents (64%) stated that they had done some form of physical exercise in the past two weeks, excluding physical education classes that they might have attended at school (fig. 3), although this percentage was lower among young adults aged 23 to 32 (fig. 4). On average, respondents engaged in physical activity 6 times, with the time spent on it being slightly higher among adolescents aged 16 to 18 (1 h 25 min), compared to young people aged 19 to 22 (1 h 18 min) and young adults aged 23 to 32 (1 h 11 min). It should also be noted that boys engaged in physical exercise an average of 6.45 times, while girls did so an average of 5.62 times.

In terms of diet, most of the respondents (72%) made a conscious effort to avoid foods containing fat, cholesterol and/or sugar (fig. 3). Some 73% of young adults aged 23 to 32 reported making this effort, which suggests that they tried harder than the rest (fig. 4). It should also be noted that this effort varied between genders as well, with a higher percentage among girls (54.5%) than among boys (45.5%). In relation to the consumption of foods rich in fibre, 79% of the young respondents made an effort to consume them (fig. 3), with no differences in the percentages by age group (fig. 4). However, in terms of gender, the percentage was higher among girls (54.3%) than among boys (45.7%). 

Young people consume fruit regularly: almost two-thirds (64%) eat fruit every day, and 12% do so 4-6 times a week (fig. 5). The frequency of eating fruit varies according to young people’s gender, girls reporting consuming this type of food more often than boys.

In connection with the frequency of consumption of one or more types of tobacco (cigarettes, rolling tobacco, cigars, electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, etc.), 70% of all the young people interviewed had not smoked in the past two weeks, although 23% stated that they smoked daily (fig. 6). The frequency of consumption varied with age and gender: young adults aged 23 to 32 reported a higher consumption of tobacco than the younger age groups, and boys smoked more frequently than girls.

Regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages (beer, cider, shots, wine, gin, vodka and other drinks) in the past two weeks, 38% stated that they had consumed no alcohol at all, but 27% had drunk alcohol once a week, 16% 2-6 times a week, and 3% daily (fig. 6). Depending on their age group and gender, respondents had either consumed alcoholic beverages or not. Nevertheless, the consumption of alcohol seems to follow the same pattern as the consumption of tobacco – i.e., it increases with age. The opposite is true for gender, as there was a higher percentage of girls who reported drinking alcohol.

As far as drugs are concerned, whether smoked, sniffed, injected or taken as a pill or tablet, 95% of young people had taken no drugs at all in the past two weeks, but 1% had done so daily, and the same percentage, 2-6 times a week, or once a week (fig. 6). Once again, while gender plays a significant role in the consumption of drugs, age group does not. In fact, more boys than girls reported having consumed some form of drugs.

Anxiety among young people was assessed by asking respondents to state how often they had felt a series of problems related to anxiety. Young people aged 16 to 22 reported mild levels of anxiety, while young adults (aged 23 to 32) said that they had felt no anxiety at all (fig. 7). Although there are no other significant differences between the age groups, there are differences by gender, with girls on average reporting higher levels of anxiety than boys.

Over one-third of the respondents stated that they were feeling sad or depressed and had trouble sleeping (fig. 8), this percentage being higher in the 19 to 22 age group (fig. 8). It should also be emphasised that over half of the respondents felt nervous, anxious, or on edge (fig. 8). Here, too, it was the 19 to 22 age group which presented the highest percentage (fig. 8).

As far as feelings of loneliness are concerned, even though most respondents have never or almost never felt lonely, it is noteworthy that over one-fifth of young people have felt lonely at all times or part of the time (fig. 9). Feelings of nervousness or anxiety, of sadness or depression and loneliness, and trouble sleeping vary according to gender, with girls reporting having these problems more often than boys.

In order to measure self-esteem, young people were asked to say whether they consider themselves to be fun, to be good-looking, to be able to do several things well; whether they like themselves; whether they think most people like them; whether they regard themselves as nice people, and whether they like to try out new things. The results indicate that young people in all age groups have high levels of self-esteem (fig. 10), although boys reported higher levels than girls.

Levels of satisfaction in relationships with friends were measured by asking young people to what extent they agreed with various statements, such as: a) My friends are nice to me; b) I have a hard time with my friends; c) I have excellent friends; d) They help me when needed; e) They are kind to me; f)  They are unkind to me; g) I like to have a variety of friends; h) I have fun with my friends, and i) I feel I have enough friends. Levels of satisfaction with family relationships were measured by asking young people to what extent they agreed with various statements, such as: a) I like spending time with my parents; b) I regard my family as being better than others; c) The members of my family get on with each other; d) I think my parents treat me fairly, e) I like spending time with my family; f) The members of my family speak agreeably to each other, and e) I consider I have a good time with my parents. The results show that young people have high levels of satisfaction with their friends and family, although they are more satisfied with their friends (fig. 11). Satisfaction with friends is related to gender, as girls reported higher levels of satisfaction than boys.

Young people were also asked how much time they spend on social networks. Their responses show that, on average, they spend 141 minutes, although 25% spend over 180 minutes per day. When asked about the approximate number of friends they have on social networks, they responded that they have an average of 861 friends. However, when asked how many in-person friends they have, young people indicated that they have an average of 26 friends, with 25% having only up to 8 friends. In fact, when asked how often they met up with friends in person outside of work/school to socialise, 46.1% stated that they meet up with friends more than once a week, almost one-third (31.2%) only once a week, and 12.6% 2-3 times a month.

On the question of maintaining an intimate relationship with another young person, the majority (83.9%) of those interviewed said that they have no problems in this regard.

Satisfaction with school was measured by providing respondents with various statements, such as: a) They feel uncomfortable at school or university; b) They believe that they are learning a great deal there; c) There are many things they do not like about school or university; e) They would prefer not to have to go; f) They look forward to going to school or university; e) They like being there; f) They find school or university interesting, and g) They enjoy taking part in school or university activities. Satisfaction with work was measured using two questions: one on work/job satisfaction, and the other on career satisfaction.

The results indicate that young people reported being fairly satisfied with school, and that younger individuals who are employed are more satisfied with their work than those who just study (fig. 12). It should also be mentioned that work satisfaction declines with age, which may indicate that these individuals are not satisfied with their careers.

Work satisfaction is also related to gender, with boys reporting higher levels of satisfaction than girls.

The results of the YOUTH WELL-BEING survey were used to identify the determinants of Portuguese young people’s life satisfaction (LS). The results indicate that the higher their levels of anxiety and the more time they spend on social networks each day, the lower their levels of LS. It should also be emphasised that having smoked in the past two weeks has a negative impact on their LS. On the other hand, the higher their levels of self-esteem, satisfaction with friends, family, and school or work, as well as the number of in-person friends young people have, the higher their levels of LS.

This study also sought to identify the determinants of well-being among Portuguese youth. The results reveal that the greater the anxiety they have and the higher the amount of time they spend on social networks each day, the lower their levels of well-being. Well-being is also negatively affected by having smoked or taken drugs in the past two weeks. On the other hand, the higher their levels of self-esteem, of satisfaction with friends, family, and school or work, as well as the number of in-person friends they have, the higher their levels of well-being. Having done some form of physical exercise in the past two weeks also has a positive impact on young people’s well-being.

The sample used for this survey was representative of Portuguese youth, and its results may therefore be extrapolated to this population as a whole, providing information on how health-related behaviours, mental health, self-esteem, and social involvement − whether at school or at work − have an impact on their LS and well-being.

In overall terms, the results indicate that young respondents stated that they are somewhat satisfied with life and have moderate levels of well-being. Boys and young people aged 19 to 22 reported higher levels of LS, while boys and adolescents reported higher levels of well-being.

The results also show that most young people make an effort to avoid fatty foods, to regularly consume foods rich in fibre and fruit, and to do physical exercise. However, girls make more of an effort to eat healthily, while boys do more physical exercise. The majority of young people have never taken drugs or smoked, but over a quarter drink alcohol 2-6 times a week. Statistically, the frequency of tobacco and alcohol consumption varies by age group and gender, but drug use only differs by gender.

Regarding anxiety, young people aged 16 to 22 reported mild levels of anxiety; over one-third said that they felt sad or depressed or had trouble sleeping, and over one-fifth that they had feelings of loneliness, with girls reporting these problems in greater numbers than boys. These results are particularly significant, as they highlight a social concern regarding the recorded levels of anxiety. 

Young people in all age groups have high levels of self-esteem, but boys reported higher levels than girls. With regard to satisfaction with relationships with friends and family, young people have high levels of satisfaction with relationships with friends and family, although they are more satisfied with friends than with family. Young people reported medium levels of satisfaction with school. Levels of satisfaction were higher for those in work, with boys being more satisfied than girls in relation to work. 

The results of this survey confirm that young people spend a lot of time each day on social networks, and therefore have close to 900 friends on them, on average. However, when asked about the approximate number of friends they have in person, this figure falls to 26, and a quarter have only up to 8 friends. This means that, outside the context of school or work, almost one-third of young people only meet up with friends in person once a week. 

This study also identified the factors which explain LS and well-being among Portuguese youth. Anxiety, the amount of time they spend daily on social networks, having smoked in the previous two weeks, their self-esteem index, their index of satisfaction with friends, family, and school or work, and the number of in-person friends young people have are all factors which explain their LS and well-being. In addition, having done some physical exercise in the past two weeks also has a positive effect on their well-being.

These results may help authorities and policy-makers to define policies aimed at increasing LS and well-being among young people. This study also identifies potential areas for action and intervention to prevent possible psychological problems among young Portuguese.

The size of the sample, the fact that it was randomised and representative of Portuguese youth, and the use of measuring tools which have been used internationally and validated for the Portuguese population, mean that the conclusions are robust. However, even though the methodologies used are internationally recognised as being appropriate, this study is not free of limitations. In particular, it was conducted as a cross-sectional study, in which young people were not observed over a long period of time, so it was not possible to identify whether any contextual factors might help to explain levels of life satisfaction and well-being in this segment of the population between November 2022 and January 2023, or whether these results, as then measured, would have changed over time. It should also be noted that most of the questions relate to behaviours over the past two weeks. Although this methodology is appropriate − it allows respondents to answer the questions posed in a precise way, as they refer to a specific period of time which is relatively recent to allow them to recall what they did − it has the downside that it may be covering a particular moment in time in which the respondents may have behaved differently than they would normally have (e.g., drinking alcohol because they had attended a party in the past two weeks).

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