Should adolescents succeed academically to be happy? The moderating role of the welfare state in the association between perceived reading competence and subjective well-being among adolescents

Key Points

• Higher perceived reading competence is linked to increased subjective well-being in adolescents, indicating that confidence in skills matters.
• Findings suggest that the welfare state influences how academic success impacts happiness in young individuals.
• Assessment reveals that a supportive welfare state can buffer negative effects of low perceived reading skills on well-being.
• The implications point to the need for policies that enhance educational support in fostering adolescent happiness.