Challenges and adaptations (WTP) - Late Adolescence Study

Within the Wisconsin Twin Project's research on challenges and adaptation, families with children between the ages of sixteen and seventeen are interviewed for a second study of adolescence. All families in this study participated in at least two prior studies with WTP. The purpose of the late adolescent assessment is to learn more about developmental change between age 7, early adolescence, and late adolescence. Each twin and a parent complete approximately 60 minutes of telephone assessment. Parents should refer to the most current letter of informed consent for complete details concerning research participation. A brief summary is provided below. Telephone Interview All families are asked only to participate by completing telephone interviews; some families (about 15%) will be invited to participate in a more comprehensive assessment conducted at our research laboratory at UW-Madison. Parents are interviewed about (1) child behavior in everyday situations; (2) their child's typical emotional reactions; (3) their child’s relationships with peers; (4) and life events. Some questions consider twins' behavior more broadly, such as questions asking if the twins are "shy with other kids." Twins are interviewed about their (1) behavior, (2) emotions, (3) peer and family relationships, and (5) life events. These interviews include having the twins rate themselves based on statements such as, "I have a hard time finishing things on time."