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 this research stage, the lives of 42-year-olds were surveyed in terms of family, work, health, and leisure. In addition, this research stage includes an interview, self-ratings based on various tests and methods, personality tests, a life history calendar, and a thorough medical examination. In order to enable comparisons, the questions in the life situation questionnaire of 42-year-olds are mostly the same as in those of 27 and 36-year-olds, which the respondents completed at earlier research stages. First, the respondents were asked questions on their education, work, sick leaves, and time allocated to housework. Further questions pertained to the respondents' parents, couple relationship, spouse's work, number of children, household composition, housing, and finances. In relation to leisure, the respondents indicated how often they spent time with their children. Further questions covered reading books, watching television, participating in voluntary organisations, going to movies, doing handicraft, and physical exercising. They were also asked to prioritise various things (e.g. family, friends, work or studies, hobbies, home) in order of importance. Satisfaction with leisure time activities and friendships were canvassed. Views on the use of mobile phones, computers, and email were also probed. Some questions pertained to the respondents' use of alcohol, smoking, health, and social support received. The importance of various things including art, technology, religion, and social work was examined. The respondents' self-image and satisfaction with themselves were also surveyed, as well as their personal development goals and personality traits. In addition, they were asked whether they had obtained their goals in life, whether they generally looked at various things trustingly, whether they had a strong will, and whether they felt desperate. Views on important issues and threats in the future were also queried. Background variable used: the respondent's gender.

2007