A Structural Model for the Developmental Status of Young Children

This study uses structural equation modeling to explore the determinants of the developmental status of young children. Data pertain to 1,742 children under the age of 48 months in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY). The literature reviewed suggests that characteristics of mother, household, and child collectively influence the quality of the home environment, which mediates the influence of demographic and socioeconomic variables on child outcomes. The study assesses this model on an experimental and a reserve sample for all children and for specific subgroups. Fit indices were satisfactory, and anticipated subgroup differences were not found.