Evidence-Based Strategies to Increase General Public and State Legislator Support for Policies to Fund and Enhance Early Childhood Development
There is strong evidence that investments in early childhood development can shape health and well-being in later stages of life. The researchers are evaluating the effect of a messaging intervention on Making Health A Shared Value Drivers: mindsets, expectations, and civic engagement related to early childhood development. Specifically, they are developing and testing the effects of values-based policy messages to promote funding and support for early childhood education. Findings will offer insights into building the mindsets and expectations needed to address the societal conditions and contexts that produce – or inhibit – healthy childhood development for all.
Registered on Open Science Framework: osf.io/9tazx.
Construct |
Measures |
Primary Outcome: Public support for early childhood intervention policies |
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Primary Outcome: Intention to advocate for early childhood intervention policies |
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Secondary Outcome: Increased public perceptions that these policies are effective |
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Secondary Outcome: Increased knowledge of burden by key social groups |
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Secondary Outcome: Increased empathy toward groups without access to resources |
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The researchers are conducting two randomized, controlled trials—one among the general public and one among state legislators. In both studies, participants will be randomized into one of six study arms, each of which will receive different approaches and order of messaging.

Jeff Niederdeppe, PhD
Liana Winett, DrPH, MPH, MCHES
$281,392 & 18 months