The Americans’ Changing Lives Study is a national study that measures how neighborhoods’, work and social connections affect health through adulthood. Data have been collected in 1986, 1989, 1994, 2001, 2011, 2019 and 2021. Biometric, blood and DNA samples were collected beginning in 2019. Sample sizes for each wave vary from 1,427-3,617 participants.
Study design: Longitudinal cohort design
Data collection methods: In-person interviews; Phone interviews
Measures of depression: CESD-R 11-item scale; CIDI
Other measures: Happiness; Outlook on life; Neighborhood characteristics; Work status & conditions; Disruptive/transformative events; Social connection, support & conflict; Discrimination & harrassment; Stress; Alcohol & tobacco use; Health & mobility limitations; Hypertension; Diabetes; Asthma; Emphysema; COPD; Cardiovascular health; Stroke; Cancer; Arthritis; General health & mobility; Physical activity; Nutrition; Sleep; Insurance status; Healthcare utilization
Notable publications using this data:

• P.L. Lee et al: Physical Activity Related to Depression and Predicted Mortality Risk: Results from the Americans’ Changing Lives Study

• K. Lincoln and D. Takeuchi: Variation in the Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms: Results from the Americans' Changing Lives Study
• P.K. Maciejewski: Self-efficacy as a mediator between stressful life events and depressive symptoms