The Sofia study

Several ongoing and planned studies are conducted within the framework of the longitudinal study on the social and physical development, interventions, and adaptation of children (the SOFIA study), carried out in collaboration with Karlstad Municipality and Örebro University.

The overall purpose of the SOFIA study is to better understand the development of children's social, physical, and mental health, including deviant behavior. The study also aims to examine the interventions provided and how collaboration evolves over time concerning children with noted difficulties. The goal is for the study to provide knowledge about children's development that can be used to improve interventions and practical work with children and youth.

The SOFIA study is an ongoing prospective longitudinal study where approximately 2000 children in a medium-sized Swedish municipality have been followed since their preschool years at 3–5 years old. So far, caregivers and educators have answered questions about the child and the child's situation at six different times (2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021). In the last two data collections, the children/youth themselves have also answered questions. In 2024, the seventh data collection will take place through a survey and interview study with the SOFIA youth. The long-term plan is to conduct follow-up investigations at an additional 6-10 occasions until the participants reach the age of 65-75.

Researchers at Karlstad University focus on health, school-related factors, and social vulnerability. SOFIA-based research at Örebro University focuses on risk factors for criminal behavior.

About the SOFIA study: https://www.oru.se/english/research/projects/bsr/sofia-study/