The Childhood to Adolescence Transition Study (CATS)

CATS is a unique longitudinal study of children in metropolitan Melbourne as they transition through adolescence.

The study began in 2012 and follows over 1200 children from grade 3 (8-9 years of age) through adolescence and into adulthood. The young people are assessed once every year. The study also collected information from teachers through primary school, and parents through to year 8 (13-14 years) then again in year 11 (16-17 years). The main focus of the study is on the health and emotional development of young people during the middle years (8-14 years) and through the primary to secondary transition. The study aims to improve our understanding of the many influences that the effect the health and emotional adjustment of children as they traverse late childhood and adolescence. The study looks at the experiences of children and their families, their changing social context as they move through secondary school and beyond, and their reactions to the biological changes of puberty. The information collected as part of this large study will help us identify when and how to promote the best health and emotional adjustment in young people.

The CATS cohort are currently transitioning out of high school after completing their final two years of schooling during the COVID 19 pandemic. CATS plans to follow this important group of young people as they enter the workforce or begin further education in a COVID-19 world. With eight waves of data collection pre-pandemic, the study is ideally placed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on this new generation of young Australians.