International Youth Development Study

About the International Youth Development Study


  • What is IYDS?

    The International Youth Development Study (IYDS) is a long-term study that looks at the development of healthy and problem behaviours among young people in the state of Victoria, Australia and the state of Washington, United States.

    IYDS was one of the first studies designed to examine how cross-national cultural and policy differences affect youth development. 

    The study began in 2002, the original sample included approximately 1000 students at each of three year levels in both Victoria and Washington, giving a total of nearly 6000 participants. The study continues to follow-up participants into young adulthood.