Youth Wellbeing Across Four European Countries: A Comparative Cross-National Analysis of Multidimensional Development Patterns

This paper presents a comparative cross-national analysis of youth wellbeing across four European countries (Spain, Greece, Poland, and Cyprus), based on data collected within the Erasmus+ project Wellme (Wellbeing Hubs. Building a sustainable learning environment for Youth in Local Communities). The study employs a multidimensional framework of youth wellbeing, assessing five key dimensions: health and nutrition, social connection and values, safety and supportive environment, learning and competence, and agency and resilience. The analysis is based on a cross-sectional survey (N=188) using the validated WELLME Youth Wellbeing Questionnaire (MWYS). Findings highlight both universal and context-specific patterns of youth wellbeing across countries, with significant differences identified particularly in the learning and skills dimension, while safety and support systems show consistently high levels across contexts. Health and nutrition emerge as a shared vulnerability across all countries. This manuscript is uploaded as a preprint (submitted version, not peer-reviewed) to ensure timely dissemination of project results and compliance with Erasmus+ Programme requirements. The paper is intended for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal. This work was developed within the Wellme consortium, with contributions from all partner organisations, including experts from GESEME 1996 S.L. Keywords: youth wellbeing; cross-national comparison; positive psychology; multidimensional assessment; European youth policy; resilience; family support systems; Erasmus+ Funding:This work was developed with the support of the European Union and co-funded under the Erasmus+ Programme, KA220-YOU – Cooperation Partnerships in Youth. It was produced within the project Wellme (Wellbeing Hubs. Building a sustainable learning environment for Youth in Local Communities), Agreement No. 2024-1-ES02-KA220-YOU-000245165. Disclaimer:The opinions and views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors (the project partners) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or those of the Servicio Español para la Internacionalización de la Educación (SEPIE). Neither the European Union nor the National Agency SEPIE can be held responsible for them.