Why being called a chav or a bimbo could be good for you

Teenagers in certain groups less likely to self-harm or be depressed

PARENTS concerned that their offspring are seen as “chavs” or “bimbos” should not panic, because a study has found that these children are less likely to be depressed and self-harm than other youth sub-cultures.

Researchers from the universities of Oxford and Bristol split teenagers into eight “tribes” and found there were clear differences in their mental health.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, goths, with their gloomy outlook and dark clothing, were found to be most likely to be clinically depressed. Nearly one in five was found to be suffering depression, with 37 per cent admitting to self-harming.

In contrast, only 6 per cent of “chavs” – defined as “townies interested in fashion and alcopops” – admitted to feeling depressed. Fewer than one in 10 “bimbos” was depressed.

“Teenagers who are susceptible to depression or with a tendency to self-harm might be attracted to the goth sub-culture, which is known to embrace marginalised individuals from all backgrounds, including those with mental health problems,” said the study’s co-author, Dr Rebecca Pearson of the University of Bristol. “Al- ternatively the extent to which young people selfidentify with the goth subculture may represent the extent to which at-risk young people feel isolated, ostracised or stigmatised by society.

“These young people may be attracted to like-minded goths who face similar stressors.”

The research followed 3,694 youths from Bristol who had identified with specific sub-cultures during a survey in 1996. Those cultures were “sporty”, “popular”, “skater”, “chavs”, “loners”, “keeners”, “goths” and “bimbos”.

Sporty teenagers were found to have the fewest mental health problems, with just 4 per cent being depressed and only 6 per cent admitting to self-harming. Youths who identified themselves as “popular” were also largely protected from depression.

It is thought that social acceptance is a major factor in feeling positive and upbeat about life. “Keeners”, who were defined as academically nerdy, were also less likely to suffer depression.

But goths were three times more likely to be depressed than the average teenager.

“Clinicians working with adolescents showing an interest in goth sub-culture should be aware of the increased risk of depression and self-harm in later adolescence,” said Prof Rory O’Connor from the University of Glasgow.

The research appeared in