Study: Social Skills Not Good Grades Linked with Lifelong Happiness

By TANIA MACWILLIAM | iVillage Canada

Don’t fret if your kids didn’t make the honour roll - their future well-being doesn’t depend on it.

According to the Journal of Happiness Studies, academic achievement has less impact on adult well-being than we might think. The study followed just more than 800 children over a 32-year period, exploring the role of academic achievement and social development on future adult well-being. For the purpose of this study, well-being is defined as a combination of a sense of coherence, positive coping strategies, social engagement and self-perceived strengths.

The results showed a strong link between social connectedness and overall adult happiness. The findings suggest that parents should focus their attention on helping their children develop social skills. Parent can do this by encouraging their children to participate in social activities such as youth groups and sporting clubs.

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