The revelation comes from a new study, which looked at the mental health of a group of 169 teens over a period of ten years – from the age of 15 to 25. The results show that those with closer but fewer relationships at a young age had better mental health on the whole, while those with loads of less-close mates as a teen experienced greater social anxiety once they reached young adulthood. Those who forged close relationships from the age of 15 had fewer symptoms of depression and social anxiety, and an increased self worth at 25, when compared to those who were more widely popular as teens. The contingent of the study who had close friendships also had their positive feelings supported by their friends, particularly at the moment when personal identity begins to be formed. They also expect healthy and supportive friendships in the future. Source
