If you spent the 1980s listening to Megadeth you probably love life.
A new study reveals that heavy metal fans from the golden age of hair bands are "significantly happier" and "better-adjusted" today than their peers who spent the ’80s listening to less headbanging fare.
The data also showed that these decibel diehards grew up to be far-less regretful than their non-metal peers, with only one-third of them carrying regrets compared to 51.3% of their peers.
How is it possible? Well, Slayer and Iron Maiden fans were far more likely to drink and have sex — and not feel too bad about it. The group was less likely than their peers to seek emotional counseling. To researchers, that group camaraderie was the key.
"Social support is a crucial protective factor for troubled youth," wrote the authors of the study, which polled 377 adults and was led by Dr. Tasha Howe of northern California's Humboldt State University. "Fans and musicians alike felt a kinship in the metal community, and a way to experience heightened emotions with like-minded people."
In the end, the majority of metalheads emerged from the '80s in great shape - and with quite a few stories to tell.
"Today, these middle-aged metalheads are middle class ... and look back fondly on the wild times they lived in the 1980s," the study said.
Clearly, that crazy train led straight to Blissville.
