Teenagers whose non-cognitive skills are poorly developed are more likely to suffer from health problems later in life, according to a new research by a group of experts from the University of Manchester.

Rose Atkins of that university, along with her colleagues set out to investigate non-cognitive skills as they are one of the least explored determining factors of health and well-being, despite the fact that evidence surrounding their importance is growing quickly.

These skills are conscientiousness (尽责性), which tells how hardworking, careful and stubborn an adolescent is, and neuroticism (神经质), which shows how worried, unhappy and fearful an adolescent is.

The researchers used data on a group of individuals who were followed throughout their life and carried out statistical analysis to study the relationship between adolescent non-cognitive skills and later-life health. The non-cognitive skills were reported by teachers, based on the behavior of students at age 16.

The study found that individuals whose adolescent conscientiousness is higher deal with stress in adulthood better, and are at a lower risk of some diseases. And individuals whose adolescent neuroticism is higher have a poorer, health related quality of life in adulthood and are at a greater risk of some diseases.

The researchers conclude that policies to improve adolescent conscientiousness and reduce adolescent neuroticism would offer the most long-term health benefits to those with the poo-rest health, "There is a growing body of evidence that suggests school-based interventions to improve non-cognitive skills can have lasting positive effects on important life outcomes," said Rose. "Extra-curricular activities and work experience have also been shown to improve these skills. Having a greater focus on the improvement of non-cognitive skills at both primary and secondary school levels would be a positive policy decision, However, these skills are also determined by factors like family income, parental education, and parental investment. There-tore, more complex public policy is needed to reduce social inequality."