Socioeconomic inequality in adolescent life satisfaction: temporal trends and age- and sex-specific patterns from the Norwegian Health Behaviour in School-aged Children surveys, 2002–2018

Background Life satisfaction is a key outcome indicator of socioeconomic inequality during adolescence. While several countries report socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent life satisfaction, temporal trends and age- and sex-specific patterns remain unclear due to mixed results across national contexts. Inconsistent findings highlight the need for country-specific examinations, particularly in Norway, where research is limited. Objectives This study investigates temporal trends and age- and sex-specific patterns of socioeconomic inequality in life satisfaction among Norwegian adolescents. Methods Data from five survey cycles of the Norwegian Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) surveys, conducted between 2001/02 and 2017/18, were analysed. Each cycle included 4,000 to 7,000 pupils from all regions of Norway. A regression framework using generalised linear models (GLMs) with a Poisson distribution was employed. Life satisfaction, measured via Cantril’s ladder, served as the dependent variable, while ridit-transformed Family Affluence Scale II (FAS II) served as the independent variable. Age groups, sex, and survey years were incorporated as interaction terms, and the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Relative Index of Inequality (RII) were derived from the models. Results Adolescents from higher socioeconomic strata reported life satisfaction scores approximately 0.84 points higher (SII) on Cantril’s ladder than their peers in lower strata, with a relative difference of 12% (RII). Temporal trends remained stable. While sex-specific patterns were consistent, socioeconomic inequality increased with age. Conclusion Socioeconomic inequality in life satisfaction among Norwegian adolescents persists over time and becomes more pronounced with age, underscoring the need for targeted interventions addressing age-specific inequalities.