The Early Steps Multisite (ESM) Study is a longitudinal research project that explores the developmental and mental health outcomes of children and families. Launched in 2002, the study follows 731 racially and ethnically diverse, low-income families recruited from Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) centers in Eugene, OR; Pittsburgh, PA; and Charlottesville, VA. This unique study examines the long-term impact of poverty, community environments, and family interventions on children’s mental and behavioral health.

The Family Check-Up (FCU) Intervention

One of the most notable aspects of the study is its evaluation of the Family Check-Up (FCU) intervention, a strengths-based, family-centered approach designed to improve parenting practices. Families were randomly assigned to either receive the FCU intervention annually from the time the child was two years old until they reached 10.5 years, or to participate in study assessments without the intervention. The FCU focuses on supporting parents with tailored feedback to reduce child behavior problems and promote healthy development.

Key Study Objectives

• Understanding Mental Health in Emerging Adulthood: Now in its third decade, the study follows participants into emerging adulthood, a critical period for mental health. A survey assessment at age 22 focuses on how life is going after the COVID-19 pandemic for these emerging adults, and at age 24 participants will do a clinical diagnostic interview examining mental health, providing a comprehensive view of how early life experiences and interventions influence long-term mental health outcomes.
• Impact of Discrimination and Neighborhoods: The study investigates how race, ethnicity, and discriminatory experiences interact with neighborhood environments to influence mental health. It explores both risk and protective factors that may mitigate these effects.
• Genetic Moderation of Risk and Resilience: The ESM study aims to examine how genetic factors may moderate the impact of environmental stressors on mental health. This approach provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between genetics, environment, and mental health outcomes.
• Evaluating Long-Term Effects of the Family Check-Up: Researchers are investigating if the benefits of the FCU persist into adulthood, especially due to new challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. The study’s wealth of longitudinal data allows for a detailed analysis of how early childhood intervention impacts mental health during life transitions, particularly for those growing up in lower-income households.

Significance of the Study

This study stands out as a rich source of data for examining how low-income families and children from disadvantaged backgrounds develop and navigate challenges over time. Its focus on a diverse, at-risk population provides crucial insights into the ways socioeconomic factors, neighborhood characteristics, and experiences of discrimination influence long-term mental health. By continuing to track participants into their twenties, the study offers valuable information on the lasting effects of early interventions like the FCU, contributing to the development of effective support systems for vulnerable families.