An article was published today in New Scientist entitled "Goth subculture may protect vulnerable children" citing research published in the British Medical Journal. In short, the conclusion of the research is something most of us already know, that being Goth is not a cause of self-destructive or depressive behaviour, but rather a subculture where people who already have these tendencies can find open-minded acceptance and support.
Rather than posing a risk, it's also possible that by belonging to the goth subculture, young people are gaining valuable social and emotional support from their peers.
"[Goth] is a strongly non-violent and accepting subculture, which teens may find offers a supportive environment."
Links:
This research follows closely on the heels of the research by Dr. Dunja Brill of the University of Sussex that was heavily picked up by the British press, and even mentioned in Macleans here in Canada, which I wrote about earlier here, and Hella Storm wrote about here. That research concluded that as opposed to other youth subcultures, Goths are far more likely to go on to be successful in intellectual and creative careers and frequently "carry on being goths into their adult life, wearing toned-down clothes, having good jobs".
well, you can rest easy in knowing that at least one educator has read it. ;)
I wonder if the study took into consideration those who successfully committed suicide. It kept mentioning self harm and thoughts and attempts at suicide, but no mention ofactual deaths. It wouldbe interesting to know if those who did not identify as goth were more or less successful at ending their lives. Maybe that's why they needed the larger study group.
Forgive me, I'm feeling particularly morbid.(dead)
Hello Atratus and everyone else.
Thanks so much for the links to the study. I was really hoping someone would know more about it as the Maclean's story was severely lacking in details. Even though the study's findings were ultimately in our favour, I can't help but think that the project wasted research funds that could probably have been better spent elsewhere. But the upside is that now if anyone has reason to worry about the effect our "gothiness" has on our well-being, we have academic evidence to prove that they're worrying for nothing. This should be required reading for parents and educators!
Wish you well.
Hella Storm.
