Environmental factors such as traumatic life events, complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and socioeconomic conditions have been shown to influence the risk of developing mental ill-health and mental disorders. However, their relative importance at different stages of development is not fully understood. Several studies emphasize the significance of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how early trauma and adversity, occurring during periods of rapid brain development, affect the risk of both mental and physical ill-health later in life.
Genetic factors are estimated to account for approximately 35–40% of the risk of developing depression, yet studies investigating candidate genes for depressive disorders have produced inconsistent results. Well-designed long-term follow-up studies involving large cohorts of both men and women are therefore needed to better understand trajectories and risk factors for mental disorders.
Increased knowledge is of great importance both from a socio-economic perspective - given the growing need for mental health care -and from a public health perspective, to promote mental well-being in the population. Knowledge about the developmental timing of risk and protective factors may enable early identification and early intervention.
Study Material
The SESBiC study is based on a birth cohort of 1,723 children born in five neighbouring municipalities in south-eastern Sweden during 1995–1996. The baseline assessment was conducted at Child Welfare Centres (CWCs) when the children were 3 months old, and 88% of invited families agreed to participate. Subsequent follow-ups have been carried out at ages 3 years, 5.5 years, 12 years, 20 years, and now at 30 years of age. We also conducted a follow-up of the mothers 25 years after the birth of the child.
Initiation in the 1990s
The SESBiC study was initiated at Lund University in 1995 by Professor Emerita Marianne Cederblad, psychologist Börje Höök, and senior consultant Roland Berg. Since the 12-year follow-up in 2007, the study has been led from Linköping University by the current research group. Additional follow-ups are planned. The project is funded by FORTE for the period 2026–2028.
The SESBiC study employs a design combining longitudinal and cross-sectional data, and uses both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The study includes multiple informants (parents, teachers, and self-reports), genetic data, registry data, medical records (from Child Welfare Centres and School Health Services), clinical interviews (MINI), psychometric instruments, and sociodemographic data from the various follow-ups.
Follow-up
The 30-year follow-up is conducted in the form of a questionnaire including questions on physical and mental health, sociodemographic factors, alcohol consumption, and related aspects. Participants are also asked for consent to collect registry data from, among others, the National Board of Health and Welfare and the Swedish Social Insurance Agency.
