The MIDUS study is a research effort designed to understand the biomedical, psychological and social factors that contribute to overall health and well-being during middle adulthood (ages 25-74). Initial data collection (MIDUS 1) was completed from 1995-1996 (n=7,108), which included a national probability sample (n=3,487), an oversampling from 5 metropolitan areas (n=757), a sample of siblings (n=950) of the main respondents, and a national sample of twin pairs (n=1,914). A longitudinal follow-up of MIDUS 1 participants was completed between 2004-2006 (called MIDUS 2) which repeated baseline assessments and included an additional in-depth interview with African-American participants living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Functional and structural MRI data are included.
Study design: Nationally representative longitudinal design
Data collection method: Phone interviews
Measures of depression: CES-D scale
Other measures: Employment status; Alcohol/tobacco use; Sleep quality; Cardiovascular health; Cancer; Arthritis; Personality traits; Anxiety; Assets & finances; Asthma; Activity level; Religious attitudes; BMI; Family medical history; Neighborhood attributes; Chronic pain; Chronic medical conditions; Contact with friends/neighbors; Discrimination; Life satisfaction; Social support; Disruptive life events; Hypertension; Stroke; Appetite/nutrition; Healthcare utilization; Outlook on life; Prescription medication use; Stress
Notable publications using this data:

• D. Chirinos et al: Depressive symptom profiles, cardio-metabolic risk and inflammation: Results from the MIDUS study

• R. Kessler et al: Age and Depression in the MIDUS Survey
• J. Rottenberg et al: Optimal Well-being After Major Depression
• J.O. Allen et al: Cortisol and Racial Health Disparities Affecting Black Men in Later Life: Evidence From MIDUS II