Grant Study

William Thomas Grant

The Grant Study is a longitudinal study that began in 1938, focusing on the physical and emotional health of 268 male Harvard University undergraduates from the classes of 1939–1944. This study, officially named the Harvard Study of Adult Development, is one of the world's longest-running research projects of its kind. Its goal is to identify predictors of healthy aging.

Overview

The Grant Study was initiated by Clark Heath, who was then the director of Harvard University Health Services. It was funded by William T. Grant Foundation, hence the name. The study's participants were selected based on their health records, and they have been followed up with extensive questionnaires and interviews throughout their lives. The study expanded its focus over the years to include not just the physical aspects of aging but also psychological and social factors.

Key Findings

One of the most significant findings of the Grant Study is the importance of love and relationships in contributing to happiness and life satisfaction. The study's director from 1972 to 2004, George Vaillant, summarized the findings by saying, "The only thing that really matters in life are your relationships to other people." Other findings include the impact of childhood experiences on adult life, the importance of coping mechanisms, and the role of genetics in aging.

Methodology

The study's methodology involved annual questionnaires, physical exams, and in-depth interviews. The participants, known as the "Grant Study men," provided information on various aspects of their lives, including their relationships, career satisfaction, and mental health. The study also incorporated medical examinations to track the participants' physical health over time.

Criticism

The Grant Study has faced criticism for its lack of diversity. All participants were white males from similar socio-economic backgrounds, limiting the study's generalizability to broader populations. Additionally, the study did not include women until a related study, the Study of Adult Development, began including female participants from the wives of the original participants in 1971.

Legacy

Despite its limitations, the Grant Study has significantly contributed to our understanding of adult development and the aging process. It has highlighted the importance of emotional well-being and social connections, influencing both psychological theory and public policy. The study's findings have been disseminated through various publications, most notably in Vaillant's books, which discuss the study's implications for living a fulfilling life.

Related Studies

The Grant Study is part of the larger Harvard Study of Adult Development, which also includes the Glueck Study. The Glueck Study followed 456 men from inner-city Boston from adolescence into late adulthood, providing a comparison group of a different socio-economic and ethnic background.

See Also

• Longitudinal study
• Aging
• Psychological resilience