Hostname: page-component-7c8c6479df-94d59 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-03-28T01:27:05.116Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Academic andemotional functioning in early adolescence: Longitudinal relations, patterns, and prediction byexperience in middle school

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 1998

ROBERT W. ROESER
Affiliation:
Stanford University
JACQUELYNNE S. ECCLES
Affiliation:
University of Michigan
ARNOLD J. SAMEROFF
Affiliation:
University of Michigan

Abstract

Adopting a motivational perspective on adolescent development, these two companion studies examined the longitudinal relations between early adolescents' school motivation (competence beliefs and values), achievement, emotional functioning (depressive symptoms and anger), and middle school perceptions using both variable- and person-centered analytic techniques. Data were collected from 1041 adolescents and their parents at the beginning of seventh and the end of eighth grade in middle school. Controlling for demographic factors, regression analyses in Study 1 showed reciprocal relations between school motivation and positive emotional functioning over time. Furthermore, adolescents' perceptions of the middle school learning environment (support for competence and autonomy, quality of relationships with teachers) predicted their eighth grade motivation, achievement, and emotional functioning after accounting for demographic and prior adjustment measures. Cluster analyses in Study 2 revealed several different patterns of school functioning and emotional functioning during seventh grade that were stable over 2 years and that were predictably related to adolescents' reports of their middle school environment. Discussion focuses on the developmental significance of schooling for multiple adjustment outcomes during adolescence.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1998 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)