Children who associate happiness with being rich or famous are far more likely to end up depressed.

A study of around 400 schoolchildren in Australia, presented at the British Psychological Society conference in Bournemouth, has shown the importance of teaching children that real happiness doesn't lie in wealth or celebrity status, but in doing something that is fun or worthwhile in itself.

Psychologists studying the beliefs of children aged between nine and 12 found that depressed children were more likely to think that fulfilment came from the acquisition of money, fame and beauty.

Many of them quoted Victoria Beckham as someone to emulate, not for her singing prowess, but for her wealth and appearance on magazine covers.

Psychologist Dr Helen Street said: 'Some cited J.K. Rowling as their ideal. It wasn't because she was a wonderful writer, but because they envied her her lifestyle.'

Better balanced children were more likely to believe that feeling good came from having lots of friends, and doing activites that were fun.

Street, from the Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre in Perth, Western Australia, said: 'In the past, if you asked a boy what he wanted to be when he grew up, he might say "a train driver". Now he's likely to say "a millionaire" or "a popstar". Life isn't about a set of outcomes, such as money; it's about personal development and relationships.'