Effect of peer versus family support on the life satisfaction of Luxemburgish Adolescents

Life satisfaction in youth increases with social support and decreases with age. Adolescence is a period of transition and the amount of time spend with peers increases while with family decreases. This study aims to investigate the mediating effects of family and peer support in the life satisfaction of Luxemburgish adolescents. Methods: The most recent HBSC Luxembourg survey took place in 2014. A total of 7 757 students aged from 11 to 18 years old responded to a questionnaire including the Cantril ladder (1965) to access life satisfaction, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) measuring both peer and family support, as well as socio-demographic questions. Findings: Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicates the negative effect of age on life satisfaction being partially mediated by family support, but not peer support, despite the strong correlation between both kinds of social support. This is especially true for girls, although their life satisfaction and peer support are lower when compared to boys, the difference regarding family support is not significant. Discussion: Although peer and family support are highly correlated variables, only the latter influences adolescents’ life satisfaction, decreasing the impact of age. As adolescence is a period of transition, the opposite results were expected, with peers being more important with age. Keeping a satisfactory relationship with family seems to play an important role in their life satisfaction. More studies should explore both complimentary kinds of social support.