Psychology: College Life Might Later Influence Psychological Health In Middle Age
New findings published in the journal Psychology and Aging show that an individual's social life in college may predict their future well-being.
As previous studies have shown that people with poor social connections may be at an increased risk of early mortality, researchers at the University of Rochester contacted 222 20-year old college students in the 1970s and again ten years later. All involved participated in the Rochester-Interaction Record (RIR) study. Of the 222 participants, researchers were able to follow up with 133 participants.
"Considering everything else that goes on in life over those 30 years -- marriage, raising a family, and building a career -- it is extraordinary that there appears to be a relationship between the kinds of interactions college students and young adults have and their emotional health later in life," said Carmichael, who is now an assistant professor of psychology at Brooklyn College, in a news release.
Rather surprisingly, findings revealed that having a high number of social interactions at 30 held no psychological benefits later in life. However, 30 years old who reported having quality relationships, defined by both intimacy and satisfaction, reported higher levels of well-being during midlife.
"It would be interesting to see if beneficial social activity during college years and early on in adulthood continues to have an effect, in terms of longevity, mortality, and other specific health outcomes as these participants get older," Carmichael added. "I would absolutely love to keep following these people."
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