Quality of life and socioemotional development: a lifespan analysis

This study examines the relationship between socioemotional competencies (SECs) and quality of life (QoL) across age groups in a Portuguese sample of 1,225 individuals aged 16–90. SECs, crucial for psychological balance and social connection, strongly influence QoL. Data were collected online using the SEC-Q and WHOQOL-BRIEF. Results indicated moderately high SEC perceptions, with self-awareness and prosocial behavior most prominent. QoL was moderate, with the physical domain scoring highest. Adolescents showed the lowest SECs, while late adults reported the lowest QoL, except in the psychological domain. Moderation analysis revealed that age significantly moderates the SEC–QoL relationship. Intervention priorities vary by life stage: adolescents require broad SEC development, particularly decision-making; early adults benefit from strengthening self-management and decision-making; middle adults from enhancing social awareness and decision-making; and late adults from reinforcing prosocial behavior and social/self-awareness. These findings underscore the importance of targeted, stage-specific SEC interventions to promote QoL across the lifespan.