Mental Health and Life Satisfaction in Students from Northern Chile

Abstract

It is relevant to specifically understand which are the mental health variables that most affect the satisfaction with life in the child and youth population for the optimal design of programs to promote their well-being. The relationship between mental health and life satisfaction is analyzed in a sample of students from 9 to 18 years old in the North of Chile. A correlational cross-sectional study is carried out, using the System of Evaluation of Children and Adolescents (SENA) and the Diener Life Satisfaction Scale (SWLS-C). A total sample of 3455 students is used, divided into primary and secondary schools. Two models of structural equations with good fit are obtained. Depression, self-esteem, and age are maintained in both. In primary school, school problems are added. Meanwhile, in secondary school, family problems and sex are added. The relationship is closer to the latter. The implications are discussed.