The questionnaires were carried out between April and May 2024. The results were shared at the last meeting of the commission in Warsaw 28-31 October 2024.
Over the next few months, the research team of our University of Madrid Don Bosco will be analysing different variables with the aim of promoting good practices in the emotional well-being of our students and teachers.
“It is worth highlighting several aspects that we are already seeing as evident,” says Antonio Rodríguez, Coordinator of the Salesian Schools of Europe Commission.
“First, we found that in the gender variable and during adolescence, girls are somewhat less satisfied with life than boys. There are many possible causes for this tendency that have been repeated in other research of a similar nature,” says Rodríguez.
“Another second aspect that we are beginning to notice,” he adds, “is that our students, as a general rule, as they get older, from the age of 10 onwards, perceive themselves as somewhat less happy, especially in pre-adolescence and adolescence. How can we help our students to have more hope and excitement in their lives, especially in their adolescence? How can we help them to be more joyful?”
The Coordinator of the Salesian Schools Commission Europe continues: “And the third conclusion, which is also shown to us with some clarity, is that there is a positive association between religious participation and satisfaction with life. That is to say, the greater the participation and commitment in religious activities, the more likely it is that the person, whether boy or girl, will be more satisfied and happier. The capacity for interiority, transcendence and religious experience is also related to better emotional regulation, a core element of good emotional intelligence. This is yet another reason for our schools to opt for a joyful, dynamic, committed and profound pastoral model.”
“Undoubtedly,” Rodríguez concludes, “what we are talking about is just a foretaste. We will continue researching, analysing data and trying to discover what and how to help our educational communities live better and happier lives. Thanks to the teacher-researchers and many thanks to the 30,278 students and educators who have collaborated with this research. We will continue to report back."
