Peer Determined Happiness: Stress of Peer Pressure and Classroom Climate, But  Not Friendship Quality, as Predictors of Happiness

It is important that adolescents experience happiness because this period in life is characterized by changes in emotional and mental well-being. This study considers the question whether, and how, friendship quality, stress of peer pressure and classroom climate relate to happiness. Where previous research found friendship quality to be directly associated with happiness, there is little to no evidence for the direct associations between stress of peer pressure and happiness and classroom climate and happiness. This study aims to fill in these gaps. Happiness was measured with the subjective happiness scale (SHS). Stress of peer pressure was measured with a shortened version of the adolescent stress questionnaire (ASQ s). Classroom climate was measured with two questions. Friendship quality was measured with the Lerid Friendship Questionnaire (FSQ) and the Network of Relationships Qualities Version (NRQ-RQV). Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis, which showed three...Show moreIt is important that adolescents experience happiness because this period in life is characterized by changes in emotional and mental well-being. This study considers the question whether, and how, friendship quality, stress of peer pressure and classroom climate relate to happiness. Where previous research found friendship quality to be directly associated with happiness, there is little to no evidence for the direct associations between stress of peer pressure and happiness and classroom climate and happiness. This study aims to fill in these gaps. Happiness was measured with the subjective happiness scale (SHS). Stress of peer pressure was measured with a shortened version of the adolescent stress questionnaire (ASQ s). Classroom climate was measured with two questions. Friendship quality was measured with the Lerid Friendship Questionnaire (FSQ) and the Network of Relationships Qualities Version (NRQ-RQV). Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis, which showed three main findings. Friendship quality was not associated with happiness, stress of peer pressure and happiness were negatively and significantly related, and classroom climate had a positive and significant relation with happiness after correcting for influential cases. Limitations are discussed, with the conclusion that future research should focus on the inclusion of psychological disorders and the effects of the corona virus pandemic.Show less

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Peer Determined Happiness: Stress of Peer Pressure and Classroom Climate, But Not Friendship Quality, as Predictors of Happiness