# **2a. Survey Design**

This research is based on a cross-sectional study conducted across the state of Jharkhand over an eight-week period in January to February 2015. Study participants were selected by using a multistage cluster sampling method. To determine an appropriate statewide sample size, we assumed a conservative prevalence of key outcomes such as “NEET” (not in training, education, or employment) and symptoms of depression of 15%. A minimum sample size of 3,057 individuals was needed for an assumed precision level of 5%, 80% power with Type 1 error of 5%, a design effect of 2, and a 10% non-response rate. To allow for subgroup estimates and over-sampling of urban areas for urban estimates, a sample size of 3,900 was targeted, and 3,942 were surveyed. Ultimately, 150 enumeration areas (EA) were randomly selected proportionate to size from a Census 2011 data set, out of which 105 were in villages (rural) and 45 were in towns (urban). Among the 150 selected EAs, one was inaccessible due to Maoist insurgence and was replaced using the same method.

Within each EA, 26 households were selected using a geographic house listing method. In case of large EAs having more than 300 households, EAs were divided into segments of 150 or more households, where one segment was randomly selected for house listing. In the rest of the EAs, the entire households in the EAs were listed. To ensure adequate representation across age groups, listed households were stratified according to the presence of at least one adolescent girl or young woman within the specified age groups (11-14, 15-17, 18-21, and 22-24). Interviewers used a randomization mechanism to pick a direction and the number of dwellings to pass in order to reach the first sampling unit. Interviewers then selected every other dwelling in that direction applying a systematic random sampling method until all 26 surveys within the EAs were completed. A total of 4,559 dwellings were approached; 3,942 (86.5%) participated in the study. All of those that did not participate could not be reached after four attempts.

# **2b. Data**

Experienced interviewers, who were trained over six days on the study objectives and content, use of smartphones and interview technique, conducted one-to-one interviews. Pilot testing and mock interviews were conducted with all instruments. Oral rather than written consent was obtained because of the high illiteracy rate, but each household was left with a consent form with details of the study, respondents’ rights and confidentiality, and contact details in case of any concerns. Interviewers and respondents were always matched based on gender. Supervisors analyzed the collected surveys on a daily basis, identifying outliers, giving feedback on data collection, and addressing any questions.

The survey is a multi-topic one and collected data on several aspects of young women’s and adolescent girls’ lives in Jharkhand. Key individual level demographic characteristics include the adolescents’ age, marital status, education status (attainment, attendance, dropouts), employment status (firm type, place of work, sector, earnings) as well as a host of psychological variables.

The main psychological variables relevant to this paper include education and labor market aspirations, self-efficacy, depression, and hope. Aspiration measures are single 4