Study: Positive teens more likely to lead happier lives as adults

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Updated: July 21, 2011 9:00AM

Angst-ridden teens are prevalent in popular films and shows like “Twilight” and “Gossip Girl” but new research suggests that young adults with a positive outlook are more likely to enjoy a happier, safer adulthood.

A recent Northwestern study analyzed data from more than 10,000 teens in 1994 who were asked to rate their levels of perceived social acceptance, self-esteem and quality of relationships. Seven years later, the participants were again surveyed, this time, rating their perceived physical health and potential for engaging in risky behavior like drug use and binge drinking.

The research found that those who reported a positive well-being as teens saw themselves as healthier and less likely to indulge in risky behavior as adults.

While many studies in the past have shown that a negative adolescence is likely to lead to risky behavior and poor health in adulthood, this study was the first to look at the effects of a happy youth, said Lindsay Till Hoyt, who co-authored the study.

“The decisions teens make at this point in their life can set a pattern for lifelong health habits and relationships,” said Till Hoyt. “So it’s really important for parents and schools to provide social support and promote positive characteristics, because these can have an effect on a young person’s life.”

The study was partially funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and used data collected by the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, the largest study of adolescents in the U.S.