Non-dating teens may be less depressed than dating teens

Were you a teen who didn’t date in highschool? Are you the parent of a teen who hasn’t expressed an interest in dating? Often times, we hear that teen dating is important for interpersonal and intrapersonal development, so where does that leave teens who do not date?

Well, researchers from the University of Georgia have decided to take a look at the mental health of teens who do not date.  Brooke Douglas is the co-author of the study and a doctoral student in health promotion in the University of Georgia, and I asked her why she wanted to study the issue of teen dating. 

The study did not look at why there is a high correlation of depression with teens who date, but it's safe to assume that the heartbreak that goes along with teen dating is what contributes to the reports of depression.

Guest: Claire Allen 

CKNW Contributor

Were you a teen who didn’t date in highschool? Are you the parent of a teen who hasn’t expressed an interest in dating? Often times, we hear that teen dating is important for interpersonal and intrapersonal development, so where does that leave teens who do not date?

Well, researchers from the University of Georgia have decided to take a look at the mental health of teens who do not date.  Brooke Douglas is the co-author of the study and a doctoral student in health promotion in the University of Georgia, and I asked her why she wanted to study the issue of teen dating. 

The study did not look at why there is a high correlation of depression with teens who date, but it's safe to assume that the heartbreak that goes along with teen dating is what contributes to the reports of depression.

Guest: Claire Allen 

CKNW Contributor