Risk factors in the occurrence and development of psychosocial problems in the age group 10-16

Summary:

The goal of this project is mapping risk factors of emotional and behavioral problems in children aged 10 to 16. In the Netherlands , 90% of the children aged 0 to 19 are seen by the child healthcare. The goal is improving and securing health, growth and the development of the Dutch youth. The child healthcare can play an important part in the early recognition of emotional and behavioral problems.

This project uses the TRAILS-cohort, which consists of 2230 children currently participating in longitudinal research on psychic and social development between ages 10 and 25. Currently the participants are between 14-16 years of age and taking part in the third measurement.

In the current study we are examining the correlation between findings which are being registered in the child healthcare-files and measures of psychosocial development gathered during TRAILS. We are studying the influence of factors during pregnancy, infancy and early childhood on the occurrence and development of emotional and behavioral problems during puberty and adolescence. This research can contribute to the development of early detection of psychosocial problems by the child health care services.