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A Longitudinal Study of Mental Health
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[Home] [Participants] [Investigators] [Publications] [Methodology]
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The Children in the
Community study began following over 800 children in 1975 and has
continued for twenty-nine years. The study goals include assessment of emotional
and behavioral problems of childhood, and how children and families cope
with these problems. Problems with drugs and alcohol have been a particular
focus in recent years. Current funding from the National Institute
of Mental Health and the National Institute of Drug Abuse supports a seventh
round of interviews with the study participants who are now, on average,
about 38 years old.
The study sample
is a representative cross-section of the area from which it was chosen in
1975.
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The Albany skyline
across the Hudson River
Study participants
originally resided in Albany & Saratoga Counties in up-state New York
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Saratoga County
has more small towns and rural areas. |
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This major study tells a great
deal about the prevalence of various mental health problems, the risk factors
that make such problems more likely, and the outcomes in adulthood. To date,
over 190 professional papers explore the findings in professional journals
and books. The study has also resulted in methodological innovations in
the study of children and the analysis of longitudinal data. |
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Several smaller studies have
built on the study of the entire sample. Over 200 of the children of the
original participants were studied in the Offspring Study. 180 siblings
agreed to participate. 240 people completed lengthy narrative interviews
discussing the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Most participants
completed a questionnaire on experiences that may be associated with young
adult financial difficulties, aggression, and criminal behaviors.
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Profound
thanks
This wealth of information
would not be possible without the cooperation of the study participants
and their families. Profound thanks are due for the many hours of their
time and their permission to them ask endless questions over the years.
Without their help, this major scientific investigation of human development
would be impossible.
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The Principal Investigators are Drs. Patricia
Cohen (New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University) and
Judith Brook (New York University Medical School). The study has been funded
by the National Institute for Mental Health, the National Institute on Drug
Abuse, the National Institute of Justice, and the William T. Grant Foundation.
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