Subjective well-being among preadolescents and their parents – Evidence of intergenerational transmission of well-being from urban China

Abstract

This paper examines whether intergenerational transmission of happiness exists in China between preadolescents and their parents, and what factors are correlated with subjective well-being among them. We find that parents’ and their children's levels of subjective well-being are indeed significantly correlated, yet the factors that affect their well-being differ. Higher income, being a female, higher education, good health, and not being divorced result in higher well-being among the parents. Preadolescents’ well-being is instead determined by different kinds of interactions with peers and parents, where being bullied or not is one of the most important factors.