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Research
The role of social support in differentiating trajectories of adolescent depressed moodThis study explored the extent to which disaggregated support from family, peers, close friendships, teachers, and schools predicted membership into identified, sex-specific trajectories of depressed mood in 3210 Australian adolescents (49% females) based on self-report data collected at four annual time points from school Grade 6 to 9 (ages 10–16).
Research
Associations between School Readiness and Student Wellbeing: A Six-Year Follow Up StudyIt is well established that children’s school readiness is associated with their later academic achievement, but less is known about whether school readiness is also associated with other measures of school success, such as students’ social and emotional wellbeing. While some previous research has shown a link between early social and emotional development and student wellbeing, results are mixed and the strength of these relationships vary depending on whether data is based on child, teachers or parents ratings and which specific student wellbeing outcomes are measured.
Research
The impact a Mediterranean Diet in the third trimester of pregnancy has on neonatal body fat percentageMaternal diet during pregnancy has long been recognised as an important determinant of neonatal outcomes and child development. Infant body composition is a potentially modifiable risk factor for predicting future health and metabolic disease.
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Prevention of Mental Health Difficulties for Children Aged 0–3 Years: A ReviewThe period of infancy and early childhood is a critical time for interventions to prevent future mental health problems. The first signs of mental health difficulties can be manifest in infancy, emphasizing the importance of understanding and identifying both protective and risk factors in pregnancy and the early postnatal period.

News & Events
Early childhood researcher a finalist in peak South Australian science awardsA The Kids Research Institute Australia researcher whose PhD studies highlighted the link between screen time exposure and toddlers’ language development has been named a finalist in South Australia’s Science Excellence and Innovation Awards.

News & Events
The Kids Research Institute Australia to lead ground-breaking child health research in South AustraliaThe Kids Research Institute Australia's Adelaide facility has been officially opened by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas.
Research
Wellbeing and academic achievement paperIn this report, we explore the relationship between student wellbeing, school engagement, and academic achievement.
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Living closer to the beach is associated with better socioemotional development in young boysNatural outdoor environments such as green and blue spaces have increasingly been seen as key health and wellbeing determinants for adults. However, it is unclear if these effects are seen in young children. We examined the associations between access to natural green and blue space and young children's socioemotional development.
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The Role of Grandparents in Facilitating Children’s Physical ActivityResearch suggests there is considerable opportunity to improve children's movement behaviors while they are being cared for by their grandparents. An understanding of the extent to which grandparent practices facilitate children's engagement in physical activity is critical to the development of health interventions targeting grandparent caregivers.
Research
Plasma adenosine deaminase-1 and -2 activities are lower at birth in Papua New Guinea than in The Gambia but converge over the first weeks of lifeDynamic cellular and molecular adaptations in early life significantly impact health and disease. Upon birth, newborns are immediately challenged by their environment, placing urgent demands on the infant immune system.