For all the youngsters grappling with the stress of work, finances, and relationships – having good friends is the ultimate source of happiness and mental well-being. According to a new study, friends at your younger age can give you the emotional support you need to have a fulfilling life. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, said friendships in your 20s can be more meaningful if you are unattached.
"The quality of your friendships is a key factor for your well-being, especially if you're single," said Dr. Lisa Walsh, a research associate at the University of California, Los Angeles. "We found that singles who were satisfied with their friendships tended to be happy with their lives, while those dissatisfied with their friendships were less happy," they added in a journal news release.
Why are youngsters unhappy? According to researchers, Americans in their early 20s are less happy than at other times of life - and a growing percentage of that age group are not in long-term relationships. Experts believe it happens mostly because youngsters are stressed over establishing their jobs or businesses, trying to balance their finances and even struggling with family life. While researchers said they are increasingly looking at single folks as a group, few studies have zeroed in on sub-groups – like younger adults.
The University of California-conducted study has analyzed responses to a survey of nearly 1,000 single adults aged between 18 and 24 years. They were asked .