Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine subjective well-being with respect to problem solving, self-esteem in decision-making and decision-making styles in adolescents. For this purpose, Positive and Negative Affect Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Adolescent Decision Making Scale and Problem Solving Inventory were administered to 377 adolescents (52.8% females; M=15.72; SD=1.21). The data were analyzed through stepwise regression analysis. The results of the analysis showed that "problem solving" and "self-esteem in decision making” significantly predict subjective well-being and its dimensions. The results also revealed that "vigilance style” is a significant predictor of subjective well-being and positive affect while ‘panic style’ is a significant predictor of negative affect. In contrast, "cop-out style” in decision making is found be a non-significant predictor of subjective well-being and its dimensions. The most important predictors of life satisfaction have been respectively found to be "problem solving" and "self-esteem in decision making''. Results also showed that "problem solving", "panic style" and "self-esteem in decision making'' are predictors of negative affect. The results are discussed in relation to previous research; study limitations and further research directions are also outlined.

Key words: Subjective well-being, life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, decision-making styles, problem solving.