About the Happiness & Health Study

The H&H Study aims to understand why some adolescents and young adults use tobacco, cannabis, alcohol, and other drugs, and why some do not. The study surveyed 3,300 students across 10 public high schools in the Los Angeles area, collecting information on a range of health factors including concern for social issues, social and emotional health, substance use, social and digital media use, risky behaviors, and more. Since graduating in 2017, student participants have continued to complete online surveys every 6 months, allowing us to stay up to date with current trends that young adults experience. Out of the 3396 students who have been enrolled for the H&H Study for Wave 1, 3383 students have completed the study, resulting in a completion rate of 99.6%. At the most recent wave, ten years later, 2225 students have completed the H&H Study for Wave 13, resulting in a completion rate of 80%. As of 2023, the H&H study is currently in its 14th wave of data collection.

The H&H Study provides over 10-years of data on substance use and mental health trends among adolescents and young adults with the goal of driving local and national policy change. H&H has made a difference in raising awareness, correcting misperceptions, counteracting stigma, and informing policies that support the health of youth and young adults.

H&H Study Timeline, Enrollments & Completions