The GUTS GO study: rationale and study design of a longitudinal high-risk youth cohort

Abstract What factors contribute to the increased risk for antisocial behavior in youth, and more importantly, what explains why most youth at risk desist when they grow older? In the Growing Up Together in Society (GUTS) research program, we aim to answer these vital questions from a biopsychosocial perspective in a longitudinal cohort study. The GUTS GO cohort study specifically focuses on youth at risk who have difficulties in pursuing personal and societal goals. The main objective of this study is to explore why, even though some youth show early signs of antisocial behavior, most adolescents do not continue to display antisocial behavior. We will examine the social, contextual, biological, and behavioral mechanisms involved in the persistence or desistance of antisocial behavior, with main focus on the role of self-regulation, empathy and trust. We aim to assess the impact on adolescents’ functioning in various societal contexts, including educational settings, social relationships, and adherence to societal norms. In this paper, we describe in detail the design of the GUTS GO study, the study population, the determinants, intermediate neurocognitive measures, and outcomes. Furthermore, we provide a detailed description of the procedures for inclusion, informed consent, recruitment, and our collaboration with network partners. Keywords: Adolescence; Antisocial Behavior; Youth at Risk; Self-regulation; Empathy; Trust; Longitudinal Cohort; Neurocognitive Development