Authors

• Pulkkinen, Lea (University of Jyväskylä. Department of Psychology)
• Kinnunen, Ulla (University of Jyväskylä. Department of Psychology)
• Kokko, Katja (University of Jyväskylä. Department of Psychology)

Keywords

aggressiveness, alcohol use, depression, emotional states, family life, happiness, interpersonal relations, labour and employment, love, mental health, parental role, parents, partnerships (personal), self-esteem, sexual behaviour, social behaviour, social skills, social support

Abstract

The data are part of the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development (JYLS), in which the same individuals have been followed over 30 years. At the 2001 research stage, various aspects of the lives of 42-year-old participants were charted with the help of a life situation questionnaire, an interview, self-rating questionnaires, personality tests, and a medical examination. This dataset contains the responses to the 26 self-rating questionnaires, which were given to the participants during the interviews. The questionnaires are either original or modified versions of various tests and methods translated into Finnish.

At the beginning of the interview, the respondents completed two questionnaires charting their emotions in terms of accepting, recognising and controlling them. The respondents also assessed their self-esteem, mental and social wellbeing, alcohol use, and attitude towards young people and the joys and sorrows of life.

One topic pertained to couple relationship. The respondents evaluated their attitudes towards the same and the opposite sex in terms of the four prototypical attachment styles (i.e. self-sufficient, secure, fearful, and clinging). Some questions concentrated on the cohesion, disagreements, sex, and happiness in the relationship. The respondents' aggressiveness, self-control, and ways of expressing emotions were also explored. Opinions were canvassed on the family atmosphere, raising children, work-life balance, and relationship with own parents. The respondents also described their children in terms of obedience and concentration.

Background variable used: the respondent's gender.