Family, Siblings, Friends And Romantic Relationships: Understanding Their Contribution To Subjective Well-Being In Emerging Adults

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between subjective well-being (SWB) and satisfaction with relationships involving parents, siblings, and friends among young adults. As young adulthood represents a significant period of transition, it is crucial to understand the factors contributing to emotional and psychological well-being. Close interpersonal relationships—particularly those with family and peers—are recognized as vital determinants of life satisfaction and emotional health. However, the relative impact of these relationships on SWB is still not fully explored, especially among young adults in India.

Employing a quantitative correlational design, this study surveyed 1,267 undergraduate students aged 18-24 from universities in Gujarat, India. The survey assessed their satisfaction with relationships with parents, siblings, friends, and romantic partners while also measuring their overall SWB. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized, including Spearman’s rank correlation analysis.

The results revealed that satisfaction in relationships with parents, siblings, and friends was significantly linked to higher SWB, with parental relationship satisfaction emerging as the strongest predictor. Conversely, satisfaction in romantic relationships did not demonstrate a significant correlation with SWB, which may be attributed to the lower level of engagement in romantic relationships within this sample. These findings emphasize the crucial role of supportive family and peer relationships in promoting mental health and life satisfaction during young adulthood.

This research contributes to the expanding literature on the influence of social relationships on subjective well-being and underscores the necessity for future studies to explore the intricate interactions between various types of relationships in the context of emerging adulthood.