Our Stories

The Our Stories study aims to hear the stories of young people who have experienced challenges during childhood or adolescence. The study is exploring how a variety of challenges such as the death or illness of a family member, experiences of family and community violence, and discrimination based on race, ethnicity or sexual identity affect health, wellbeing and relationships in young adult life.

What is already known?

Australian research shows that:

  • 3 in 5 children experience adversity in childhood

  • 1 in 3 children experience family violence between their caregivers

  • 1 in 5 children experience a major mental health problem in late primary school

  • 2 in 5 adolescents experienced mental health difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What this study adds

The Our Stories study will explore how young people who have experienced childhood adversity navigate their health, wellbeing, and relationships, as they transition into young adult life.

What’s next

We are currently recruiting young people to the Our Stories study from the cohort of young people taking part in the Mothers’ and Young People’s Study. Young people will be offered a choice of participating in an interview or taking part via an online platform, where they can provide a written testimonial or upload a voice memo. We anticipate data generation and analysis will be finalised in early 2026.

Where can I read more?

  • Call to Action #1 Breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma and family violence

    Current approaches to prevention of family violence, early intervention and crisis support are failing to safeguard the longer-term mental health and wellbeing of women, children and young people impacted by family violence.

    Read here

  • Policy Brief #3

    Young people’s experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic

    Read here

  • Policy Brief #4

    Young people’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

    Read here

  • What factors are associated with resilient outcomes in children exposed to social adversity? A systematic review

    Gartland D, Riggs E, Muyeen S, Giallo R, Afifi TO, MacMillan H, Herrman H, Bulford E, Brown SJ. BMJ Open;2019;9:e024870.

    Read here

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has been really challenging for young people

    Watch our short animation to find out what it was like for young people aged 14-17 during Victoria's second lockdown.

    Watch here

Who can I contact for more information?