Abstract
The present study focused on differences in self-esteem trajectory in early adolescence rather than on average change across all children. Longitudinal data from 128 adolescents were obtained over a 2-year period that encompassed the transition from elementary school to junior high school. Cluster analysis revealed four markedly divergent self-esteem trajectories: consistently high (35%), chronically low (13%), steeply declining (21%), and small increase (31%). Attempts to predict trajectories were only partially successful. Peer social support was the strongest predictor, but its relation to self-esteem appears more circumscribed than had been thought. The discussion considers differences in the experience of early adolescence, as well as implications for the design and evaluation of preventive intervention.
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Received Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Oregon. Research interests include community psychology, ecology of adolescent development, social networks, and social policy.
Research interests include peer relations and school-based preventive intervention.
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Hirsch, B.J., DuBois, D.L. Self-esteem in early adolescence: The identification and prediction of contrasting longitudinal trajectories. J Youth Adolescence 20, 53–72 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01537351
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01537351