Academic and social success are key points of emphasis for adolescents. Yet, it remains unclear whether competence in these areas during adolescence leads to happiness in adulthood. We also know surprisingly little about the mechanisms by which these factors might influence future quality of life. The present study examined the relative impacts of social and academic success (measured in adolescence) on satisfaction with life approximately 16 years later. In addition, indirect pathways were assessed through life stress and social support in early adulthood. Participants (N = 157) were drawn from a sample of children born to low-income mothers followed from birth through age 39 years. Results showed a direct pathway from adolescent social competence to adult life satisfaction, and no such effect of high school graduation. Neither indirect effect was significant. These results extend and support previous cross-sectional research, and call into question the ability of the present K-12 education system to meet the expectations of modern parents.

学业和社会上的成功是青少年关注的重点。然而，尚不清楚在青春期这些领域的能力是否会导致成年后的幸福。对于这些因素可能影响未来生活质量的机制，我们也知之甚少。本研究调查了大约16年后，社会和学术成就（以青春期衡量）对生活满意度的相对影响。此外，通过成年早期的生活压力和社会支持来评估间接途径。参加人数 = 157）的样本来自低收入母亲所生的孩子，从出生到39岁。结果表明，从青少年社交能力到成年生活满意度的直接途径，而高中毕业则没有这种影响。间接影响均不显着。这些结果扩展并支持了以前的横断面研究，并质疑了目前的K-12教育系统满足现代父母期望的能力。