WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN DURING THE TRANSITION FROM MIDDLE CHILDHOOD TO ADOLESCENCE: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore certain aspects of children’s transition from middle childhood to adolescence as part of the Child Well-being in Family Context project. Focus groups were conducted among a convenience sample of 4th, 6th, and 8th graders in one elementary school in the city of Varaždin, using a semi-structured protocol organized into three broad areas: happiness, leisure time, and digital technology. Results indicate that the hypothesis of social contacts being the most important source of happiness was confirmed, as well as the shift in focus from the nuclear family among the 4th graders to peers among the two older groups of participants. It appears that children experience autonomy in choosing both organized and optional activities; however, the amount of free time available for engaging in these activities declines as they progress through the school system. The use of digital technologies also becomes more frequent with age, not only for educational purposes but also increasingly for entertainment. The study revealed that children are aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of using these technologies, but more education on health and safety threats should be provided. Throughout the study, the topic of pets was introduced multiple times, indicating that pets are perceived as an important source of happiness for children and should, therefore, be included in future research.