FAQs
In 2024-25 we are inviting all of our Generation 1 and Generation 2 participants to complete a new survey. Our Gen3 survey “Life@9” is also running. If there is a survey for you to complete, one of our team will explain exactly what is needed. We will give you an ‘Information Form’ that explains what the research is about, what to expect and how to take part. We usually reach out via email but also phone our participants regularly and sometimes send post. Most of the surveys from the ATP are now completed online. When a survey is sent to you, you can click the link to answer the questions. The ATP began in 1983 and has been running for over 40 years! We hope to continue this unique study for years to come. If you have any questions about the study, you can contact the research team at [email protected] or on (03) 9345 4129. Only the original cohort and their families can participate in ATP. This means that unfortunately, we can’t recruit any new participants. If you have been a participant with us before and would like to take part again, please contact us on (03) 9345 4129 or [email protected] Most of the data ATP collects is self-report data. That is, information that you tell us about yourself. Our current surveys ask questions to look at how social and emotional factors earlier in life might affect health and wellbeing later in life. We will be looking at: Our Gen3 study asks parents about their child’s social and emotional development, health and behaviour, and their living and care arrangements. We also ask about parenting and support, emotional health, general health, alcohol and substance use. In the past, ATP collected other types of data including observational studies and genetic samples. Other types of data might be collected in the future. We ensure that the personal and health information you provide is stored safely. Our researchers are always happy to answer your questions about how we protect your privacy. There is no direct benefit to you if you take part in this survey. The information we learn from this survey may help improve our understanding of how the environment and lifestyle in the first part of life impact health and wellbeing in middle and older adulthood. We do not expect any risks or side-effects if you take part. We have been careful to ensure the survey questions do not cause any significant distress, but if you feel concerned or anxious about any of them, you do not need to answer them. All research conducted by the ATP has been approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. Because we look at our participants as a group, we can’t give you individual feedback or results. We will send you newsletters to keep you informed about the progress of the study. You can also find more information on our website and Facebook page.
Stay up to date with ATP by visiting our website and following our Facebook page, where we post news and updates regularly. We send participants a newsletter via email. Update your email with us here to receive the next edition. Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time. There is no obligation to take part. We are now looking at how health and wellbeing during childhood and adolescence may influence our lives as adults. This new research aims to find out what we can do to live a healthy and fulfilling life. The information collected will let us look at: We are inviting all generation 1 participants to complete a survey that looks at how early life experiences are connected to health and wellbeing later in life. We are also inviting our generation 2 participants to complete a similar survey. We are an ongoing study and will contact you sometimes to send you newsletters, invite you to participate in surveys or to check your details are correct. We ask you to provide the details of someone who knows how to reach you in case we lose touch. This information will not be used as part of the research in any way. You can provide the name and number of your preferred alternative contact here. Or call our friendly team on (03) 9345 4129. Epigenetics is like a set of instructions that sit on top of your genes, telling them how to behave. In your body, epigenetic changes can turn genes on or off, or make them work differently. These changes can be influenced by various factors like your environment, diet, stress, and even experiences. The ATP follows people over time, looking at how different factors affect our health and the health of the next generation. Epigenetics is one part of the puzzle!