A scientific research study finding pathways to happiness.

Healthy relationships, responsible financial decisions, and personally meaningful work are three pillars of adult happiness.

 

Achieving stability in these life domains can be viewed as setting the foundation for adult happiness.

How do young adults develop the knowledge, skills and values that lead to long-term stability and happiness?

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APLUS in the News.

Ted Beck former President and CEO of NEFE on CNBC On The Money discussing insights from the APLUS research.

Project Synopsis.

 
 
 
  • Dr. Serido, University of Minnesota, Dr. Shim, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Dr. Curran, University of Arizona launch Wave 4: Adult Financial Capability, Stability and Well-Being.

    Survey data collected from 855 of the original study sample, five- years out of college and approaching 30 examined how finances, relationships, and achievements influence young adults’ happiness and well-being.

    The Wave 4 study was made possible through the generous support of the National Endowment of Financial Education and the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates.

  • Dr. Serido becomes Associate Professor, Family Social Science in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota.

    APLUS a unique longitudinal study becomes a three-university collaboration.

  • Dr. Serido assumes the role of APLUS Principal Investigator as Dr. Shim becomes the Dean of the School of Human Ecology, The University of Wisconsin-Madison.

    Together, they launch Wave 3: Adaptation and Resilience in financial, career, and life success among Young Adults to examine how life choices and opportunities facing today's young adults contribute to, or detract from, personal, financial, and career well-being

    The Wave 3 study was made possible through the generous support of the National Endowment for Financial Education and the Citi Foundation.

  • Dr. Shim and Dr. Serido launch Wave 2: Young Adults’ Financial Capability Study

    Survey data collected from over 1,500 of the participants in the baseline study as they prepare to leave college to understand how prepared they are for the life-changing experiences awaiting them as they enter the world of full-time adult responsibility.

  • Dr. Shim and Dr. Joyce Serido, Co-Principal Investigator, launch the Wave 1.5: Economic Impact Study

    Shortly after the global financial credit crisis, data collected from a subsample (748) of the baseline study participants to understand the immediate impact of the recession on young adults’ financial behaviors.

  • Dr. Soyeon Shim, Professor/Former Director of the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences and original APLUS Principal Investigator, launches Wave 1: Baseline Study

    Survey data collected from more than 2,000 first-year students enrolled at the University of Arizona to understand the pre-college experiences that contributed to college students’ financial attitudes and behaviors.

 

 Resources.