News

15th April 2004

Summer babies are the luckiest

People born in summer have a brighter outlook than those born in winter or autumn months, according to a study presented at the Edinburgh International Science Festival.

The survey was conducted by Professor Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertfordshire and involved more than 40,000 members of the public who took part online.

Participants were asked their date of birth and had to rate their level of luck. The poll found there was a summer-winter divide between people born from March to August and those born from September to February.

The results showed that 50 per cent of people born in May considered themselves lucky while only 43 per cent of those born in October were as optimistic.

Professor Wiseman believes that this difference is because people born in May spend the first six months of life with sunshine whilst those born in early Autumn spend their first six months indoors with gloomy weather.

As well as this, adults tend to be happier during summer months and play differently with their babies during the summer.

Previous research carried out in Sweden by Professor Jayanti Chotai found similar results.

Professor Chotai said "The environmental factors around the birth period, like exposure to sunshine and temperature, could all influence the body's biological systems, with effects extending into adulthood."

Professor Wiseman said at the Science Festival "The good news for winter-borns is that people can improve their luck by being more optimistic and making the most of the opportunities that come their way."

Diana Pidwell, a clinical psychologist in Blackpool, said there had been research showing a connection between the time of year a person is born and what they choose to do for a living.

"How happy you are is very much to do with how happy you decide to be" Ms Pidwell suggests, except in clinical depression.

• Do you think the season your baby was born in has influenced his personality? Tell us your views in Your Shout
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