The Christchurch Health and Development Study - Some Key Findings Related to Young People

On 28 March 2008, The Ministry of Youth Development hosted a seminar on "The Christchurch Health and Development Study - Some Key Findings Related to Young People" by Professor David M Fergusson.

Presented by Professor David M Fergusson, Principal Investigator and Executive Director of the Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS).

The Christchurch Health and Development Study is a longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 1265 children born in Christchurch in 1977. These children have now been studied until age 30. The presentation will focus on a series of findings relevant to youth. These include:

  • suicidal behaviour in young people
  • the use and misuse of cannabis
  • the linkages between childhood and adolescent adjustment.
For the last 30 years, Professor Fergusson has been the Principal Investigator and Executive Director of the Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS). The CHDS is an internationally renowned longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 1,265 New Zealand children born in mid 1977. This cohort has now been studied from birth to the age of 30.

Professor Fergusson is the author of over 300 scientific articles and books. His recent work has included research into: childhood sexual and physical abuse; family violence; youth unemployment; teenage pregnancy; juvenile delinquency; substance abuse; and youth mental health. His major research interests are the design and analysis of correlational studies and the study of personal adjustment in adolescence.

Professor Fergusson is also actively involved in the development and evaluation of an early intervention project Early Start which is a home visitation programme designed to address the needs of at-risk families with young children. He is fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and an honorary fellow of the New Zealand Psychological Society.

More Information

For more information on this seminar, visit National Centre for Lifecourse Research.


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