title: Promoting a Positive Middle School Transition: A Randomized-Controlled Treatment Study Examining Self-Concept and Self-Esteem.
abstract: The middle school transition is a salient developmental experience impacting adolescents around the world. This study employed a randomized-controlled treatment design, with randomization at the school level, to investigate the impact of a school adjustment program for middle school transition and potential gender differences. Participants included 1147 students (Mage= 9.62; SD = 0.30, 45.7 % girls), who were assessed at four time points during the transition, regarding five dimensions of self-concept (academic, social, emotional, physical and family) and self-esteem. Parallel growth curves were employed to analyze the evolution of self-concept. Following the transition to middle school, students reported lower levels of self-concept (academic, emotional and physical) and self-esteem, while participation in the intervention led to increases in self-esteem and gains in social self-concept. No gender differences were found. These results provide preliminary evidence supporting such interventions in early middle school transitions.
authors.affiliation: Académico Torres Vedras, Travessa do Quebra-Costas, 9, 2564-910, Torres Vedras, Portugal. vitorpcoelho@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Vitor Alexandre
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Coelho
authors.affiliation: Académico Torres Vedras, Travessa do Quebra-Costas, 9, 2564-910, Torres Vedras, Portugal.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marchante
authors.affiliation: Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2121 ED - GGSE, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106-9490, USA.
authors.forename: Shane R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Jimerson
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012574:Schools; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012938:Social Perception; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Gender differences; Middle school transition; Self-concept; Self-esteem