The Edinburgh Study of Youth Transitions and Crime (ESYTC)

The Edinburgh Study of Youth Transitions and Crime (ESYTC) is a comprehensive longitudinal research project that investigates the development of criminal behavior and anti-social activities among young people. Initiated in 1998, the study tracks a cohort of approximately 4,300 individuals who began secondary school in Edinburgh, Scotland. The research follows these participants from age 12 into adulthood, with data collection extending to age 33. The ESYTC employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing self-report questionnaires to gather data on personal experiences and behaviors, alongside in-depth interviews conducted with two sub-samples of the cohort at ages 24 and 35. Additionally, the study integrates administrative data from various official sources, such as educational records, social work files, and criminal conviction records, to provide a comprehensive view of each participant's life course. Key findings from the ESYTC highlight the complex interplay of individual, familial, and social factors that contribute to youth offending. The study emphasizes the importance of early intervention and the role of social support systems in mitigating the risk of persistent criminal behavior. The ESYTC's insights have significant implications for policy and practice, particularly in the areas of youth justice and social services, by informing strategies to prevent crime and support positive youth development.
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Publisher:
The University of Edinburgh
Geographic Coverage:
Scotland
Temporal Coverage:
1998/ - Present (Ongoing)
Sample Size:
4300
Age Coverage:
12+ years
Resource Type:
study
Study Design:
longitudinal, cohort
Funders:
Scot Nuffield ESRC
Available in Data Catalogs:
Catalogue of Mental Health Measures
