Copyright Malvin Porter, Jr. 2010 - acumen - The University of ...

adult literature, QOL/LS research in children is limited (E. S. Huebner, 2004). Existing research
has mainly focused on life satisfaction as an outcome variable. Adolescent studies have shown
that age, gender, and socioeconomic status moderately contribute to subjective well-being,
whereas self-concept, extraversion, internal locus of control contribute significantly to children’s
social-emotional well-being (E. S. Huebner, 1997). Daily life events have been shown to be the
most powerful contributor of QOL/LS (McCullough, Huebner, & Laughlin, 2000).
QOL/LS relates to a variety of health and risky behaviors in children and adolescents
(Flashpohler et al., 2009) and is negatively related to depression, anxiety, and social stress
(Gilman & Huebner, 2006b). Lower QOL/LS is associated with substance use, and aggressive
behaviors such as physical fighting, weapon carrying, and being injured or threatened with a
weapon (Valois et al., 2001; Zullig, Valois, Huebner, Oeltmann, & Drane, 2001).
Consideration of QOL/LS is important because children who report high levels of
QOL/LS tend to report positive school experiences, higher grade point averages, better peer
relationships, lower levels of anxiety and depression, higher levels of hope and personal control
than children who report low QOL/LS (Gilman & Huebner, 2006a). Research suggests that
QOL/LS may mediate the relationship between stressful life events and internalizing behaviors,
and moderate the relationship between stressful life events and externalizing behaviors
(McKnight, Huebner, & Suldo, 2002; Suldo & Huebner, 2004). Thus, a distinguishing the
relationship between QOL/LS and aggressive acts may suggest interventions that improve
children’s academic, psychological and social adjustment.
QOL/LS and Bullying
Bullying is a common and potentially serious form of school violence and is associated
with serious negative social and emotional consequences (Elinoff, Chafouleas, & Sassu, 2004).
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