Peer attachment and class emotional intelligence as predictors of adolescents' psychological well-being: A multilevel approach. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Balluerka, Nekane; Gorostiaga, Arantxa; Alonso-Arbiol, Itziar; Aritzeta, Aitor
• Is Part Of: Journal of adolescence. Volume 53(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Well-being -- Positive affect -- Peer attachment -- Class emotional intelligence -- Gender -- Multilevel approach; Adolescent psychiatry -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychology -- Periodicals; Adolescence -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 305.23505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.08.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-1971

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of the study was to analyze whether gender, age, peer attachment, and class-level emotional intelligence could predict adolescents' psychological well-being by applying a multilevel approach. The sample comprised 2182 secondary school students from the Basque Country (northern Spain) (from 118 classrooms, 51.6% girls), aged between 12 and 18 years. A two-level model (with students nested into classes) was used to analyze the influence of three level-one covariates (gender, age, and peer attachment) and one level-two covariate (class-level emotional intelligence) on the positive affect component of psychological well-being. The results showed an overall decrease in well-being as adolescents grow older, and an increase linked to a higher peer attachment. Furthermore, class-level emotional intelligence showed a positive relationship with students' well-being. This group-level covariate also strengthened the effect of peer attachment on the well-being. The advantages of using a multilevel approach for predicting mental health and psychological adjustment are discussed.