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Popular Kids Become Healthier Adults

Classroom outcasts much likelier to suffer chronic health problems as adults

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 29, 2009 2:15 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Children with few friends at school are much more likely to suffer poor health as adults, according to a new study. Swedish researchers asked 6th graders in 1966 which children they preferred to work with at school, then matched that data with hospital admissions between 1973 and 2003. They found that the "low-status" children least accepted by their peers were nine times likelier to suffer heart disease, and likelier to suffer diabetes and mental health problems.

Researchers theorize the unpopular children developed a poor self-image, which led to serious health problems later in life. "Children who feel undervalued or are bullied at school often grow up lacking self-confidence," one expert tells the BBC. "They then seek comfort in over-eating, smoking or drinking to excess, and all too often find themselves on the slippery slope to chronic ill-health. It is crucial to do whatever we can to help children and young people feel valued."

Swedish researchers used survey answers to divide children into five groups, with marginalised and peripheral at the bottom.
Swedish researchers used survey answers to divide children into five groups, with "marginalised" and "peripheral" at the bottom.   (Shutter Stock)
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Children in lower peer status positions may adopt a more health-damaging lifestyle, including behaviors such as heavy smoking and drinking.
- University of Stockholm researcher
Ylva Almquist

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Fondue
Sep 29, 2009 12:18 PM CDT
All the popular kids from my youth that I've reconnected with all seem overweight to slightly obese.
Nwambe
Sep 29, 2009 10:50 AM CDT
Yeah, I read this study thinking they'd be completely off... Turns out, nope, they're right on track. I do one or two of those things, and it's pretty much got all the reasons why. I wonder why... I wish I could find out.
brawne
Sep 29, 2009 7:28 AM CDT
Always an exception that proves the rule. My son was popular out the wazoo. Student body president--always, winner of science fair, always, girlfriend who was in the Rep of the San Francisco Ballet. Played guitar from 11 on like Clapton. Killed himself at twenty. No one is one thing and no study covers all people. Like I said --the exception. His bizarro friends from fourth grade are still in my life. I paid for a couple to go to college. These studies never take mental illness into the equation.

 
heart disease • children • alcohol abuse • school • schoolchildren

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