A STRUCTURAL MODEL FOR THE DEVELOPMENTAL STATUS OF YOUNG-CHILDREN

This study uses structural equation modeling to explore the determinan ts of the developmental status of Young children. Data pertain to 1,74 2 children under the age of 48 months in the National Longitudinal Sur vey of youth (NLSY). The literature reviewed suggests that characteris tics of mother, household, and child collectively influence the qualit y of the home environment, which mediates the influence of demographic and socioeconomic variables on child outcomes. The study assesses thi s model on an experimental and a reserve sample for all children and f or specific subgroups. Fit indices were satisfactory, and anticipated subgroup differences were not found.