Latest Research on Children and Adolescents Using Data from the EDI and MDI

Researchers at the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities are examining early childhood development and adolescent well-being with data from the Data Informed Futures initiative, which implements innovative measurement tools to provide insights that can shape policies and interventions to improve children's lives.

Two recent studies offer valuable insights into neighborhood effects on early childhood development and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on middle schoolers' well-being.

In the first study, published in SSM - Population Health, researchers Aguilar, Perrigo, and colleagues examined the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and early childhood development. Using the National Neighborhood Equity Index (NNEI) and information collected using the Early Development Instrument (EDI), they analyzed data from nearly 145,000 kindergarteners across the United States. Their findings revealed that children living in neighborhoods with more equity barriers are more likely to face developmental challenges compared to those in areas with fewer barriers. This multi-dimensional approach helps quantify how structural disadvantages can affect children's developmental trajectories, providing a foundation for targeted community interventions.

The second study, published in Child Indicators Research, focused on middle childhood well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotez, Perrigo, and their team analyzed self-reported data from 4th and 7th graders in a predominantly Hispanic Los Angeles County school district. Using data collected via the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI), they found that 7th graders reported lower odds of well-being in four out of five measures (Optimism, Happiness, Self-Esteem, and General Health) compared to 4th graders. Additionally, 7th graders showed lower odds in three asset areas: Adult Relationships, After-School Activities, and School Experiences. These findings highlight the unique challenges faced by early adolescents during the pandemic and underscore the need for targeted support for this age group.

The UCLA Center's research portfolio on child well-being measures extends beyond these two studies. Their bibliography showcases a range of investigations using the Early Development Instrument (EDI), Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI), and Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (CHEQ). These studies explore various aspects of child development, including the impact of residential crowding on early development, the developmental strengths of multilingual kindergartners, and the relationship between early development and later academic proficiency. This comprehensive body of work provides a rich foundation for understanding and addressing the complex factors that influence children's health and development from early childhood through adolescence.

Learn more about Data Informed Futures measures