The Impact of Youth Engagement on Life Satisfaction: A Quasi-Experimental Field Study of a UK National Youth Engagement Scheme

Abstract There is growing interest in the role of organized social participation clubs, associations and activities shaping subjective well-being (SWB). However, field remains contested. This study addresses key questions regarding participation–SWB link: concerns endogeneity; debate surrounding mechanisms at work; can play closing inequalities SWB. Each question addressed through a quasi-experimental into impact large-scale, nationally-implemented youth engagement scheme (UK National Citizen Service) on life satisfaction. Using pre-test/post-test data sample participants (propensity score matched) controls, results suggest discrete periods lead to significant improvements satisfaction, observable least 4–6 months after involvement ended. Participation also help close SWB via significantly stronger satisfaction among young people from more economically disadvantaged communities. Although communities join with lower SWB, post-participation, they have entirely closed gap their less-disadvantaged peers. Improvements emerge positive impacts both social- psychological-resource pathways. participation-effects psychological-resources become increasingly important for explaining additional SWB-gains people.