Objective  To explore the relationship between multi-dimensional life satisfaction and depression among children using an individual-centered method and to provide evidences for intervention on depression in children.

  Methods  We conducted a questionnaire survey among all grade 4 pupils (n = 4 009) recruited in 36 elementary schools in a district of Baoding city, Hebei province in 2016. Chinese Brief Multidimensional Students′ Life Satisfaction Scale and Childhood Depression Inventory were used to assess life satisfaction and depression in the children.

  Results  All dimensions of life satisfaction (family, friend, school, residence, and self-concept) were associated with depression among the children (r = – 0.21 – – 0.30). Latent profile analysis indicated that the 4 class model fitted the data best. The 4 profiles were high life satisfaction (profile 1), low school life satisfaction (profile 2), low family life satisfaction (profile 3) and low life satisfaction (profile 4). And these profiles were significant associated with depression among the children. The rank for the effect of the profiles on depression level was profile 4 (18.02 ± 0.54) > profile 2 (14.94 ± 0.49) > profile 3 (13.57 ± 0.43) > profile 1 (10.50 ± 0.11).

  Conclusion  There is a significant individual difference in the multidimensional life satisfaction and the individual difference is associated depression significantly among the children.