Downturn down under : Mapping the decline of happiness among emerging adults in Australia

Journal article


McMillan, Nathan and Smith, Jonathan. (2025). Downturn down under : Mapping the decline of happiness among emerging adults in Australia. Young. pp. 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1177/11033088241308621
AuthorsMcMillan, Nathan and Smith, Jonathan
Abstract

Using data from the ‘Social Futures and Life Pathways of Young People in Queensland’ project, we analysed happiness among a group of young Australians from the ages of 14–26. Over this time, our findings suggest a linear decrease in happiness. Potential correlating factors were then explored at the following three pivotal points: mid-high school (aged 14–15), during the transition to tertiary education and early workforce entry (aged 19–20) and at the onset of formative career development and greater financial independence (25–26 years). Results show that educational attainment, relationship formation, earning capacity and confidence in the future are central to happiness throughout this period. Our findings imply that milestones traditionally associated with adulthood continue to play a significant role in the happiness of young Australians. Our findings underscore the importance of providing better support for the overall well-being of emerging adults as they navigate this complex life stage.

Keywordshappiness; adolescence; youth; young adulthood; emerging adulthood; transition; well-being; aspirations
Year2025
JournalYoung
Journal citationpp. 1-20
PublisherSAGE Publications
ISSN1103-3088
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/11033088241308621
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85218122585
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
FunderAustralian Research Council (ARC)
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Open
Output statusIn press
Publication dates
Online11 Feb 2025
Publication process dates
Deposited26 Mar 2025
ARC Funded ResearchThis output has been funded, wholly or partially, under the Australian Research Council Act 2001
Grant IDDP160100360
Additional information

© 2025 The Author(s).

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).

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