Mental health from Preadolescence into Adulthood: Risk Concentration and Dilution, Turning Points and Unmet Needs (TRAILS)

Psychiatric disorders are common among adolescents and young adults, and
constitute a major burden for the individuals involved as well as for their
families and society as a whole. Still little is known about the etiological
mechanisms underlying the development of psychiatric disorders and pathways
leading to chronic problems. TRAILS offers a unique opportunity to study the
interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors with respect to
trajectories of (mental) health.

* To examine the effects and interactions of individual and environmental
factors on the onset and course of mental health problems in adolescents and
young adults.
* To examine the effects and interactions of individual and environmental
factors on the onset and course of physical health problems.
* To identify cues for the development of more effective prevention and
intervention strategies.
* To extend and disseminate knowledge about these topics.

TRAILS (TRacking Adolescents* Individual Lives Survey) is a longitudinal
multidisciplinary cohort survey. The participants were 10-12 years old at the
start of the study in 2001. During the fifth assessment wave, they will be
21-24 years old. Comparable to prior assessments waves, they will be requested
to fill out a questionnaire. In addition, they will be invited for an interview
and the assessment of length, weight, and hip-waist ratio.
Parents of the participants, as well as their partners (i.e., person with whom
the participant has a romantic relationship for at least a month) will be asked
to fill out a questionnaire as well.

The data collection phase is scheduled from January 2012 to October 2013.

There are no risks involved in filling out questionnaires and the bodily
assessments. With regard to the interviews (mainly about life events), risks
are highly unlikely as well. It cannot be excluded completely that specific
topics evoke some emotions, but these emotions are virtually always mild and
transient. Nevertheless, our interviewers will be trained in dealing with
emotions appropriately and instructed to never leave a participant behind in a
desperate situation. Furthermore, participants have the right to skip whatever
parts of the study they don*t feel up to.