Overview of the Early Steps Study
Between 2002 and 2004, caregivers (usually mothers) of 2-year-old children filled out a survey during one of their WIC appointments in and around Pittsburgh, Eugene, and Charlottesville. Based on their responses, 731 families joined the Early Steps Project.
Over the years, we have had the privilege of walking alongside these families, learning from their experiences. Below is a snapshot of the work we have done together tracing the journey from childhood to adulthood. If you would like to learn more about your next study activity, click here!
We are incredibly grateful for the support of our Early Steps families!
Early Childhood
Families welcomed us into their homes once a year when their children were between 2 and 5. On each visit, caregivers completed paper questionnaires that asked about many parts of family life, including their children’s behavior, parent-child relationships, family conflict, substance use, and overall wellbeing. Starting at age 3, children took part in activities that helped us understand their readiness for school.
We also recorded videos of families during everyday moments, like preparing a meal while the child waited, or encouraging the child to clean up toys they had just played with.
Like flipping a coin, half of the families were randomly chosen to get extra support with anything they felt would make parenting a little easier.
Middle Childhood
When children were between 7 and 10, we visited families at home once again. During these yearly visits, caregivers shared updates about their lives by completing similar surveys to those done in earlier years. The children also began to share their own experiences by answering questions about their daily life including friendships, family conflict, and overall well-being. At ages 7 and 9, we recorded videos of everyday activities, such as family games played with caregivers and siblings.
As children began to spend more time outside of home, we wanted to learn about their experiences in school and after-school programs. To do this, we visited their schools and after-school programs to watch children interact, especially during lunch and recess. Teachers completed questionnaires about the children’s behavior and friendships.
Just like when the children were younger, the same half of the families were offered help again with anything they thought would make raising their school-age children easier.
Take a look at our newsletters to learn more: Age 7 Newsletter, Age 9 Newsletter, Age 10 Newsletter.
Early Adolescence
Families welcomed us back into their homes for two more visits, when children were 14 and 16. Caregivers and teens completed similar surveys to those done in earlier years with additional topics relevant to teen behavior.
When teens were 14, we recorded short videos of family discussions about their interactions, disagreements, and experiences of unfair treatment. Teens each provided a saliva sample to explore possible relationships between genetics and behavior such as substance use.
Just like in middle school, teens’ teachers completed surveys about their behavior at school and with their classmates.
Take a look at our newsletters to learn more: Age 14 Newsletter, Age 16 Newsletter.
Late Adolescence
Just as we were getting ready to visit families again, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. In-home visits were no longer possible, so we continued our work by meeting with families virtually. The teens, now 19 years old, and a caregiver of their choice participated in virtual interviews and filled out online surveys. We continued to ask teens and caregivers about their feelings, relationships with family and friends, and overall well-being. Teens also answered more detailed questions about substance use.
In the midst of the pandemic, we were also curious how teens and families were affected by the uncertainty it created. In 2021, we asked teens and caregivers to complete two additional surveys specific to their experiences and support during the pandemic.
Take a look at our newsletters to learn more: Age 19 Newsletter.
Early Adulthood
As the teens entered adulthood, we wanted to learn about their experiences of this transition. This time, the young adults completed online surveys when they were 22 and 24, which covered topics like their feelings, behavior, substance use, romantic relationships, and overall health. At age 24, they also participated in virtual interviews where they talked in detail about their mental health.
Take a look at our newsletters to learn more: Age 22 Newsletter, Age 24 Newsletter.