Achieving Sustainability in Life Satisfaction for Immigrant Adolescents: An Analysis of Leisure, Language, Family Environment, and School Adaptation Using Panel Data in South Korea

This study investigates how leisure activities influence life satisfaction among immigrant adolescents in South Korea, with a focus on the mediating role of school adaptation. Data from the 2nd Multicultural Youth Panel Survey (2019–2021) were used, comprising 465 observations across three consecutive years, with results averaged across three waves. Key predictors included the frequency of leisure activities, Korean language proficiency, and family environment. The findings indicate that these factors significantly contribute to adolescents’ life satisfaction, while school adaptation partially mediates these relationships. These results highlight the importance of meaningful leisure engagement and supportive family and school contexts in promoting well-being and social integration. The study provides evidence supporting policies that foster adolescent development, highlighting the need for sustainable educational and community support.