Role of young people’s personal network in subjective well-being: A longitudinal study in residential care

• Young people in residential care are embedded in complex and unique personal networks. • Personal networks influence the well-being of young people in residential care. • Social support and frequent network contact have a positive effect on well-being. • This study presents causal relationships using fixed-effects panel regression. The promotion of children’s and young people’s well-being has been recognized as a primary goal in residential care. Research shows that personal relationships are a key factor in well-being. However, young people in residential care are embedded in a dynamic social context, making it difficult to form close and long-lasting relationships. This study analyzed the impact of young people’s personal networks on their subjective well-being. Data spanning 2022–2024 were collected in three waves via a classroom-based or self-administered online survey. The sample comprised 228 young people living in a residential care facility in Switzerland in at least the first wave of data collection. The young people’s networks were collected through individual personal networks. Subjective well-being was measured using a slightly adapted version of the International Survey of Children’s Well-Being (ISCWeB) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using fixed-effects panel regression. Notably, the number of supportive ties ( B = 0.08, p = 0.01) and contact frequency with network members ( B = 0.13, p = 0.05) were positively associated with subjective well-being. However, personal networks predominantly comprising friends had a negative effect on their well-being ( B = − 0.01, p = 0.02). Young people should have the opportunity to develop close and supportive relationships inside and outside the residential care facility they can rely on when they leave institutional care.