A recent longitudinal study conducted by researchers at Boston College found that teens who participate in the arts (music, theatre, fine arts) are more likely to report feeling depressed than students who are not involved in these programs. In contrast, students who are involved exclusively in sports are the least likely to report depressive symptoms. Interestingly, those students who participated in arts and sports are still more likely to feel sad than those who participate in sports alone.

Why is this?

In our culture, athletes and artists are both revered and famous. However, in a high school setting, athletic teens are often considered to be more popular and conform more to social mores than artistic teens. Artistic teens may be more prone to social isolation and bullying.

The researchers also suggest that teens who are more creative tend to take in more information from their environment. Heightened awareness of oneself and one’s surroundings can become overwhelming and would lead to more realistic views of our flawed world. While this ability could promote greater creativity and artistic expression, it could also be harmful for the developing mind.


American Psychological Association (2012). “Depressive Symptoms More Likely in Teens Who Choose To Participate In Arts.” Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/253073.php

A copy of the presentation I gave today about youth self-injury.

Do you find yourself texting or surfing the web when you have a challenging task to complete?  I'm multitasking right now as I'm writing this article.  A recent study from the University of Ohio suggests that media multitasking gives us an emotional boost.  Researchers suggest that we are more likely to multitask when an activity is cognitively difficult.  For example, as a university student, I found myself spending more time on Facebook and surfing the web when I had important term papers due or exams to study for.  

Many studies have shown that multitasking makes us much less productive.  However, researchers suggest that we continue to do it because it makes cognitively strenuous activities more enjoyable.  It's a way of coping with the stress of a mentally taxing task.  Unfortunately though, the positive emotional feelings that accompany multitasking behaviour send us the message that we should continue to do it even though it lowers our productivity considerably.  

I suggest taking scheduled breaks when you are working.  Divide your time into increments and work uninterrupted for a period of time (e.g. 30 minutes).  Then, reward yourself with a short media break.  Creep on Facebook, check your Twitter or text a friend.  Then go back to the work that you are trying to complete.  You will get the same emotional boost as you do when you multitask, but the positive feelings will act as a reward for your hard work instead of a reward for distracting yourself from work.

Do you have any productivity tips?