Young adulthood study
Published: 1939
Language: eng
Format: computer file
Subjects: Young adults; Psychology; Longitudinal studies; Achievement motivation in adolescence
Description: This study examined behaviors which occurred in childhood and adolescence in order to identify precursors of motivational orientations and achievement behaviors. It explored antecedent maternal behaviors which might influence achievement development, as well as examined the contemporary correlates of achievement in young adulthood.

The study made use of longitudinal data in the records of the Fels Research Institute. Seventy-four of the original 96 children brought into the program between 1939 and 1947 were asked to return for follow-up. Sixty-five (or 88%) of these were able to return to the center for the adult assessment between 1965 and 1967. The final sample consisted of 38 males and 27 females aged 18 to 26.

Historical data (maternal, childhood, and adolescent) were obtained from the Fels files. They included narrative reports of home visits, ratings of mothers' behaviors, nursery school and day camp observations, taped interviews with the children when they were adolescents. Standardized instruments (i.e., Gesell Developmental Schedule, Stanford-Binet, Wechsler-Bellevue, and Primary Mental Abilities tests) were administered at regular intervals. Physical measurements of participants and demographic characteristics of participants and parents were included.

The current study conducted semistructured interviews with the children as young adults. The interview tapped a variety of motivational and behavioral variables related to academic, intellectual and vocational achievement and effort. Identification models, sex role attitudes, and social activities were also assessed. The investigator used four experimental tasks to measure competence, goal approach, conceptual tempo preference for intellectual vs. motor skills, and intellectual expectancy.

The Murray Center holds computer-accessible data from the young adult follow-up, including some historical data obtained from the Fels files, as well as rating manuals. The rest of the data are held by the Fels Research Institute in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Notes: Sample characteristics: sample size: 51-100; time: 1900-1939, 40s, 60s; race: not compiled; age: 0-5, 6-12, 13-17, 18-22, mixed; number of generations: 2; gender: female, male; ses: mixed.

Data collection methods: design: field study, longitudinal; length of data collection: 21-50 years; measures: psychological tests, interview, institutional records.

Follow-up possible: no; follow-up available: no.