Table 1 Brief description of life course SES groups defined using latent class analysis in analysis sample (n = 12 940) from Wave I (1994–1995) and Wave III (2000–2001) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health
Life course SES% (n)Description
Persistent disadvantage17.7 (2223)Parental SES
Age (years): 22.1

  • Low income, low education, single mother

Female (%): 45.6

  • No health insurance, high public assistance

Young adult SES

  • Low income, low education, vocational school

  • Low health insurance, limited financial access

Disadvantage with autonomy15.0 (2057)Parental SES
Age (years): 22.1

  • Low income, less than high school education, two parents

Female (%): 44.9

  • Manual occupation, low health insurance

Young adult SES

  • Middle/high income, low education

  • Low health insurance, married, own home

Material advantage28.5 (3438)Parental SES
Age (years): 21.7

  • Middle income, high school educated, two parents

Female (%): 44.1

  • Minimal hardship, average social capital

Young adult SES

  • High income, average education, minimal hardship

  • Vocational school or college

Educational advantage13.8 (1989)Parental SES
Age (years): 21.9

  • Middle income, middle/high education, single mother

Female (%): 53.2

  • Minimal hardship, high social capital

Young adult SES

  • Middle income, middle/high education

  • Sales or service occupations, high social capital

Highest overall advantage25.0 (3223)Parental SES
Age (years): 21.7

  • High income, advanced education, two parents

Female (%): 59.9

  • Professional occupation, high health insurance, low public assistance

Young adult SES

  • Middle income, high education, managerial/professional occupation

  • High health insurance, high financial access