Home / Education / Girls Happier at School Than Boys: Study Reveals Why
Girls Happier at School Than Boys: Study Reveals Why
30 Jan
Summary
- Girls experience more dopamine from social connections, boosting school happiness.
- Boys' dopamine stems from self-involvement and need more activity.
- Norwegian study links school happiness to having more friends and feeling safe.
Norwegian researchers have confirmed that girls report higher levels of happiness at school compared to boys. This difference may stem from biological factors, with girls reportedly receiving more dopamine from social relationships and boys from self-involved activities. The study, involving over 1,600 Norwegian children aged six to nine, found that girls and younger students experienced greater well-being and a stronger connection to their classrooms.
Happiness at school was significantly correlated with having more friends and feeling safe. Academically, girls outperformed boys in reading and science. While boys identified math as their strongest subject, there was no difference in liking it. Boys showed a preference for physical education, though performance perceptions were similar.
Researchers suggest incorporating passion projects and more physical activity could enhance student well-being. These findings contrast with some US data, which indicated girls outperformed boys academically but were less happy. Future research will explore the impact of additional engagement strategies on schoolchildren.
