Does early non-familial child care impact the development of mental health problems, risk behaviors, and educational outcomes until young adulthood?-Findings from an 18-year longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND

International studies exploring the enduring effects of early non-familial childhood care on mental health outcomes show varying impacts depending on the quality of care, age of entry, and socio-economic factors.

METHODS

This German longitudinal study, involving 225 families, investigated the impact of early non-familial child care on the development of mental health problems, risk behaviors, and academic as well as vocational achievements in young adulthood (Mage = 22.6 years, SDage = 1.1 years).

RESULTS

In comparison to parental care, early non-familial childcare was associated with significantly elevated levels of risky behaviors (such as risky sexual behavior, alcohol abuse, and tobacco consumption), low intimate relationship quality, and a higher likelihood of achieving advanced vocational qualifications. Migration background was identified as a relevant moderating factor in an exploratory analysis. An early age of entry into non-familial care was weakly associated with more mental health problems in young adulthood.

CONCLUSION

Parental decisions on early non-familial childcare should carefully consider the child's age of entry, the quality of care, and the family's socio-economic context.