CATS is a unique research study following over 1,200 people from childhood through adolescence and into young adulthood. CATS is interested in how we can lay the foundations for lifelong health and ensure the best possible development of young people. Based at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) within the Population Health Studies group, CATS is the first study to look in detail at a large group of young people as they make the transition from childhood through adolescence and into young adulthood. Each year, we check in with participants to learn about their health, interests, life experiences, study, work, emotions, and behaviour. This information helps us understand how these factors may influence healthy development. Our research contributes to recommendations that shape educational and healthcare policy and practice.
Our research aims to improve our understanding of the many factors that influence young peoples' health and emotional wellbeing. This includes exploring young people’s experiences – and those of their families – during key transitions, such as puberty, beginning secondary school, leaving education, and establishing independence.
The information collected helps us to better understand the many influences on social, emotional, and behavioural development as young people mature. Our findings have informed recommendations for educational and health policies and practice across these formative years.
Adolescence is a critical yet often overlooked stage of human development. While early childhood has been widely studied, adolescence has been historically neglected in research and policy. Adolescence, which we define as 10 to 24 years, is marked by significant changes in the brain, body, and social roles. During this period there are complex interactions between puberty and brain development. Key brain regions that influence decision-making, emotions, and behaviour, continue to mature into the mid-20s. Physiological systems such as the hormonal and cardiovascular systems, also mature. At the same time young people are required to navigate major life transitions including puberty, increasing independence, evolving social roles and intimate relationships. Importantly, the habits, emotional responses, and coping mechanisms formed during this adolescence can have long-lasting impacts on health and wellbeing.