The Lingering Influence of Family Relations on Subjective Well-Being of Young People in Taiwan: Evidence from a Panel Data

Transition from family and school to work indicates not merely role changes for young people. It also may suggest that they start to seek for new foundations or sources of personal happiness. In contrast to this role transition hypothesis, there is also a possibility that an intimate relation with parent continues to influence happiness of young people, as the market economy outside home can be harsh and brutal to the newcomers. This study uses data from the Taiwan Youth Project (TYP) for investigating these possibilities. Outcomes from an analysis of a sample of about 1600 young people at age 22 show that relationships with both parents matter much more than the role transition factors (such as already having a job, being economically independent, getting married, and having children) in affecting happiness and reducing depression. Relations with parents also strengthen a positive self-concept, which in turn enhance subjective wellbeing of young respondents. In assessing these relations, both the respondent’s previous level of happiness (measured when in high school) and parental happiness are controlled.