Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between childhood behaviour and subsequent adult career. The original childhood data was collected in 1961 when information was obtained from the parents and teachers of a 1 in 10 random sample of children aged 5 - 15 years attending local authority schools in Buckinghamshire. The follow-up information was obtained in 1978 and relates to two age cohorts from the original survey: those aged nine and fourteen respectively in 1961.

Main Topics:

Variables The original (1961) data concentrated on behaviour traits but also included information on health, social background, educational standards etc. The follow-up coverage (1978) included biographical data on education, employment, health, housing, family relationships, well- being and personality characteristics.

The original sample was based on a 1 in 10 sample drawn from school medical record cards in area education offices. The follow up study included all those in that sample who were aged nine or fourteen (including those whose parents/teachers were non-respondents in 1961)

Face-to-face interview

Postal survey