The National Youth Survey began in 1976. At that time 1,725 adolescents between the ages of 11 and 17 years old as well as one of their parents were interviewed. Participants were chosen byboulder a scientific method designed to select individuals representative of the national population.

This study is ongoing and has been commended by policymakers, scholars and researchers as one of the most influential studies of the present time. Now called the National Youth Survey - Family Study (participants who were once 11-17 are now 39-45) this study has followed these individuals throughout time to look at their changing attitudes, beliefs and behaviors about topics such as career goals, involvement with community and family, attitudes about violence, drugs, and social values.

Faculty:

  • John Hewitt
  • Michael Stallings
  • Andy Smolen
  • Robin Corley
  • Susan Young
  • Marissa Ehringer

Publication Highlights:

Sakai JT, Boardman JD, Gelhorn HL, Smolen A, Corley RP, Huizinga D, Menard S, Hewitt JK, Stallings MC. Using trajectory analyses to refine phenotype for genetic association: conduct problems and the serotonin transporter (5HTTLPR). Psychiatr Genet. 2010 Oct;20(5):199-206. PubMed PMID: 20421847; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2934879.

Hoft NR, Corley RP, McQueen MB, Huizinga D, Menard S, Ehringer MA. SNPs in CHRNA6 and CHRNB3 are associated with alcohol consumption in a nationally representative sample. Genes Brain Behav. 2009 Aug;8(6):631-7. Epub 2009 Mar 23. PubMed PMID: 19500157; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2880622.

Hoft NR, Corley RP, McQueen MB, Schlaepfer IR, Huizinga D, Ehringer MA. Genetic association of the CHRNA6 and CHRNB3 genes with tobacco dependence in a nationally representative sample. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2009 Feb;34(3):698-706. Epub 2008 Aug 13. PubMed PMID: 18704094; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2915837.

Haberstick BC, Timberlake D, Smolen A, Sakai JT, Hopfer CJ, Corley RP, Young SE, Stallings MC, Huizinga D, Menard S, Hartman C, Grotpeter J, Hewitt JK. Between- and within-family association test of the dopamine receptor D2 TaqIA polymorphism and alcohol abuse and dependence in a general population sample of adults. J Stud Alcohol Drugs. 2007 May;68(3):362-70. PubMed PMID: 17446975; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2507866.

Huizinga D, Haberstick BC, Smolen A, Menard S, Young SE, Corley RP, Stallings MC, Grotpeter J, Hewitt JK. Childhood maltreatment, subsequent antisocial behavior, and the role of monoamine oxidase A genotype. Biol Psychiatry. 2006 Oct 1;60(7):677-83. PubMed PMID: 17008143.