Happy children are more likely to divorce

Happy children are more likely to get divorced , according to Cambridge University research.

A study involving 2,776 subjects who took part in the 1946 British birth cohort study which looks at the links between happiness as a child and well – being later in life failed to find correlation between a happy childhood and marriage.

Unsurprisingly, the research showed those with a “positive” childhood were more likely to have higher work satisfaction later in life, more frequent contact with family and friends and more social engagement.

But the study also revealed happy children were more likely to get divorced. Researchers suggested happier people have higher self –esteem and are therefore more confident about leaving an unhappy marriage.

The findings support the view that, even at this time of great financial hardship, policy makers should prioritise the well – being of our children so they have the best possible start to life.

The researchers based a “positive” childhood on teacher evaluations of students’ levels of happiness, friendship and energy at the ages of 13 and 15.

Positive points were awarded for areas such as “very popular with other children “and unusually happy and contented” while teachers also noted problems such as lying and anxiety.

Most longitudinal studies focus on the negative impact of early mental problems, but the 1946 birth cohort also shows clear and very – lasting  positive consequences of mental well – being in childhood.