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National Institute of Health Study Preliminary Findings

Posted by admin on March 9, 2011 · Leave a Comment 

Background

Between 2007 – 2010, approximately 280 children & their families were recruited for the NIH Child Study. Children were identified through an intensive, six week child selection process with partner public schools.

  • Over 2000 children were observed during this stage. Top 25% of those with risk for future problems were identified as appropriate for Friends of the Children.

  • Children randomly assigned to either Friends or control group. Parents contacted by the schools and invited to speak with research team. 94% of parents contacted agreed to participate in the study.

  • Those parents completed a “baseline” interview. Data is currently available on 136 children whose parents completed baseline interviews & completed an interview one year later.

Findings

  • At one year interview, average child in Friends had been meeting with their mentor for 9 months. In an average month, the average child saw their mentor for 13.4 hours. Mentor spent another hour talking with parents, teachers, or engaging in other discussions or work relevant to the child.
  • At one year, based on parent ratings using standard scales on Child Behavior Checklist, the following findings were noted:

Anxiety/Depression: Friends’ children were less anxious and depressed (significant). Largest differences between the groups were for children who were most at risk at baseline (significant).

Aggression: Children in Friends were less aggressive (trend). The largest differences between the groups were for the children who were most at risk at baseline (significant).

Rule Breaking: Friends’ children were less likely to rule break (significant). This was due to a difference between girls in Friends and control groups (significant). There was no difference for boys.

Withdrawn: Children in Friends tended to be more withdrawn than children in control group (trend). This was due to difference between girls in Friends and control groups (significant). There was no difference for boys.

To learn more about the study or be included in updates on the findings as it progresses, contact us.