The Seattle Social Development Project (SSDP) is a long term study that looks at the development of positive and problem behaviors among adolescents and young adults. J. David Hawkins and Karl G. Hill are the directors of the study. During the early 1980’s we worked with 18 elementary schools in the Seattle Public School District in a study on child development. At that time, 808 5th grade students and their parents agreed to be in a longitudinal (long-term) study and became the sample for the Seattle Social Development Project (SSDP). These participants and their parents have been interviewed regularly since 1985.

We have just finished interviewing participants at age 33. The information gathered in the interviews is used to examine many aspects of youth development such as substance use, delinquency, violence, school dropout, risky sexual behavior, and changes in health status. In addition we look at the causes and consequences of these behaviors. We also focus on positive youth and adult development.

The Seattle Social Development Project is based at the University of Washington in the School of Social Work. It is one of approximately ten ongoing projects at the Social Development Research Group.