Scouts and guide groups improve mental health, study suggests

A study conducted by Edinburgh and Glasgow universities has suggested that people who were in the scout or guides during their childhood have a better mental health in later life.

The research examined data from a lifelong study of almost 10,000 people from across the UK who were born in November 1958, known as the National Child Development Study. Around a quarter of the participants had previously been in the south of guides.

It found ex-members were 15 per cent less likely than other adults to suffer anxiety or mood disorders at the age of 50. The study suggested that the lessons in resilience and resolve that such organisations offer could have a lasting positive impact, including building skills like self-reliance and teamwork and outdoor activities.

Lead researcher Prof Chris Dibben, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Geosciences, commented: "It is quite startling that this benefit is found in people so many years after they have attended guides or scouts.

"We expect the same principles would apply to the scouts and guides of today and so, given the high costs of mental ill-health to individuals and society, a focus on voluntary youth programmes such as the guides and scouts might be very sensible."

Tim Kidd, chief commissioner of the scouts in the UK, welcomed the findings: ”I was never great at outdoor activities or a sportsman, but the scouts helped me find those types of skills.

"And it taught me about leadership and talking to people even though I was shy. Whether it's climbing a mountain, going on a camp or perhaps just playing some games, all of these things help young people learn the skill of resilience.”