Life satisfaction and aspects of subjective well-being of youth as indicators of youth mental health

pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic perspectives

Sandra Antulić Majcen (Author), Andrej Naterer (Author), Gordana Kuterovac Jagodić (Author)

Abstract

This chapter examines youth well-being in Croatia and Slovenia before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular emphasis on mental health outcomes. Findings reveal a marked decline in life satisfaction across family life, friendships, and body image, with negative changes disproportionately affecting girls and young people of lower socio-economic status. During the pandemic, around one-fifth of respondents reported rarely or never experiencing positive emotions, while one-third frequently encountered negative states such as sadness, fear, or anger. Loneliness emerged as a significant concern, particularly among girls, though age-specific patterns differed between the two countries. Despite this, most young people retained access to supportive social networks, which served as an important protective factor. On the other hand, the post-pandemic period showed improvements in subjective well-being, which included stronger social connectedness and more positive emotional states. However, persistent vulnerabilities remain, particularly among girls, the youngest cohort, and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Keywords

zadovoljstvo z življenjem;subjektivno dobro počutje;ranljivosti mladih;life satisfaction;subjective well-being;youth vulnerabilities;

Data

Language:	English
Year of publishing:	2025
Typology:	1.16 - Independent Scientific Component Part or a Chapter in a Monograph
Organization:	UM FF - Faculty of Arts
UDC:	316.346.32-053.6
COBISS:	248097539
Parent publication:	Two countries, one crisis
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Downloads:	0
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Other data

Secondary language:	Slovenian
Secondary keywords:	Mladina;Covid-19;Pandemije;Duševno zdravje;Slovenija;Hrvaška;
Type (COBISS):	Scientific work
Pages:	Str. 19-47
DOI:	10.18690/um.ff.7.2025.2
ID:	27275007