Happy teenagers make happier adults but they are more likely to get divorced, scientists have discovered.
Cambridge researchers found teenagers they were more likely to get divorced, due to a higher level of self esteem and greater ability to leave an unhappy marriage.
Researchers at Cambridge university have studied the link between a positive adolescence and well-being in later life and say one has a direct effect upon the other.
Those who have a happy upbringing are 60 per cent less likely to suffer mental problems and also perform better at work and socially.
But they are also more likely to end up divorced, the team found.
Researchers used statistics from 2776 people who took part in the 1946 British cohort birth study, and looked at their mental well-being through life.
A positive childhood was based on teacher evaluations on their levels of happiness, friendship and energy at the ages of 13 and 15. Negative problems such as restlessness and anxiety were also noted.
These were then compared to their later mental health, work experience and relationships, reports the Journal of Positive Psychology.
The youngsters rated positively in their teens were found to be significantly more likely to have higher levels of well-being later on, including greater work satisfaction, more frequent contact with family and friends and more social engagements.
But researchers also found they were more likely to get divorced, with one possible explanation being a higher level of self esteem so a greater ability to leave an unhappy marriage.
Professor Felicia Huppert said: "The benefits to individuals, families and to society of good mental health, positive relationships and satisfying work are likely to be substantial.
"The findings support the view that even at this time of great financial hardship, policymakers should prioritize the well-being of our children so they have the best possible start in life."
Co-author Dr Marcus Richards added: "Most longitudinal studies focus on the negative impact of early mental problems, but the 1946 birth cohort also shows clear and very long-lasting positive consequences of mental well-being in childhood."
Read More
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8350587/Happy-teenagers-more-likely-to-get-divorced.html
Cambridge researchers found teenagers they were more likely to get divorced, due to a higher level of self esteem and greater ability to leave an unhappy marriage.
Researchers at Cambridge university have studied the link between a positive adolescence and well-being in later life and say one has a direct effect upon the other.
Those who have a happy upbringing are 60 per cent less likely to suffer mental problems and also perform better at work and socially.
But they are also more likely to end up divorced, the team found.
Researchers used statistics from 2776 people who took part in the 1946 British cohort birth study, and looked at their mental well-being through life.
A positive childhood was based on teacher evaluations on their levels of happiness, friendship and energy at the ages of 13 and 15. Negative problems such as restlessness and anxiety were also noted.
These were then compared to their later mental health, work experience and relationships, reports the Journal of Positive Psychology.
The youngsters rated positively in their teens were found to be significantly more likely to have higher levels of well-being later on, including greater work satisfaction, more frequent contact with family and friends and more social engagements.
But researchers also found they were more likely to get divorced, with one possible explanation being a higher level of self esteem so a greater ability to leave an unhappy marriage.
Professor Felicia Huppert said: "The benefits to individuals, families and to society of good mental health, positive relationships and satisfying work are likely to be substantial.
"The findings support the view that even at this time of great financial hardship, policymakers should prioritize the well-being of our children so they have the best possible start in life."
Co-author Dr Marcus Richards added: "Most longitudinal studies focus on the negative impact of early mental problems, but the 1946 birth cohort also shows clear and very long-lasting positive consequences of mental well-being in childhood."
Read More
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8350587/Happy-teenagers-more-likely-to-get-divorced.html
