Individuals with less IQ likelier to be unhappy

The researchers are calling for more help and support to be targeted at people with lower IQs.

One of the questions of the study,for which researchers at University College London analysed data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbity Survey in England,was – “taking all things together,how would you say you were these days – very happy,fairly happy or not too happy?”

People’s verbal IQ was also assessed.

The highest proportion saying they were “very happy” was found in people with an IQ between 120 and 129 – 43 percent said they were very happy.

However,the highest proportion saying “not too happy” (12 percent) was found in people with an IQ between 70 and 79.

“People in the lower end of the normal spectrum are more likely to consider themselves not happy,” the BBC quoted Dr Angela Hassiotis as saying.

The study said lower intelligence was linked to lower income,worse health and needing help with daily life,such as shopping or housework – all of which contributed to unhappiness.

“There is some evidence that long term intensive strategies directed at young children from socially deprived backgrounds can have a positive impact not only on IQ,but also on wellbeing and life opportunities,” Dr Hassiotis said.

“Such interventions are likely to be costly,but the initial costs may be offset by future benefits such as a reduced reliance on state benefits and better mental and physical health,” she added.

The study has been published in the journal Psychological Medicine.