Teenagers who are happy and positive during adolescence are found to have better general health as adults and are less likely to take part in risky behaviours, according to a recent study published in the July 2011edition in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Researchers from Northwestern University, Illinois studied long-term data of over 10,000 young people. The data came from a series of questions on physical and emotional well-being from 1994. These same young people were followed up in 1996 and in 2001. The researchers found that teens with a positive self-image and outlook on life were healthier as adults than teens that did not possess the same outlook. They also found that teens with a positive attitude were less likely to engage in substance abuse such as smoking, drugs and drinking, and were even less likely to consume unhealthy foods. The study concluded a positive outlook should be encouraged in teens in order to improve their long-term health.

Source: Adolescents With A Positive Outlook On Life May Have Better Health In Their Adult Years, Medical News Today.com, July 2012