SAN ANTONIO - A new study from the University of Georgia found that teens were less depressed when they weren't involved in romantic relationships.
Researchers also discovered that students who didn't date had similar or better interpersonal skills than students who dated more frequently.
Brooke Douglas, a doctoral student at UGA, led the study, co-authored by Pamela Orpinas, which examined emotional and social skills of nearly 600 10th-grade high school students.
Questionnaires used teacher-given ratings for social skills, leadership and depression for students, while the students also self-reported depression, suicidal thoughts and positive relationships with friends.
The study's results found the number of non-dating students who self-reported depression was significantly lower than students who dated.