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Study: Happy Teens Divorce More Often As Adults

A new study from the University of Cambridge has uncovered a wealth of information about what happens to happy teenagers when they grow up. Although happy teens are more likely to be happy as adults, keep in touch with family, excel at their jobs, and have an easy time making friends, they are also more likely to go through divorce.

The study, which was conducted at the Well-being Institute, has followed about 3,000 people over their lifetimes beginning in 1945. The children were asked about their happiness, energy, anger, depression, and relationships when they were teens and then again when they were adults.

Generally, happy teens turn into happy adults in most facets of life. Happy kids were more likely to develop into adults who had a decreased chance of mental health issues, who have more friends, and who have an increased feeling of self-worth. Oddly, though, happy children were more likely to experience a divorce.

Why are those with happy childhoods more likely to divorce when they are older? Researchers think that perhaps those with more secure teen years have higher self-esteems and have an easier time leaving unhealthy relationships or relationships that don’t increase their happiness. In addition, these historically happier people may have a better support network and an easier time leaving abusive situations with the help of friends and family.

It is important to note that despite the higher rate of divorces, those with happier childhoods continue to have happy and healthy adulthoods whether or not they end their marriage.

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