In adolescence, happier often means healthier

Teenagers with positive outlooks tend to be healthier. There is a close link between positive emotions and physical well-being.

Past studies have established the link between better mental health and good physical health. To study this association further, researchers studied 401 American teenagers and assessed both positive and negative indicators of mental health in relation to physical health. The participants provided information about their physical health and feelings.

It was found that teenagers' positive emotions and moods, as well as their satisfaction with life, is more important than either anxiety or depression levels for predicting good physical health. Mental health indicators explained 30 percent of the differences in physical health ratings among the participants. Four out of five of the mental health indicators were unique predictors of physical health.

Overall, there appeared to be a strong link between good physical health and life satisfaction and recently feeling excited, strong and proud. Poor health was associated with feelings of loneliness, guilt, anxiety and depression, and those affected were more likely to display negative behaviour.

This study shows the importance of emotional well-being on adolescents' physical health.