Surviving the Junior High School Transition Family Processes and Self-Perceptions as Protective and Risk Factors

This study used a longitudinal design to investigate the association offamily processes and self-perceptions with adjustment and self-esteem following the transition to junior high school. Students'positive self-concepts in academic and social domains emerged as facilitative of positive adjustment across the transition, while self-consciousness in these domains proved detrimental to adjustment. In addition, adolescents'perceptions of their parents as being developmentally attuned to them and supportive of autonomy in decision-making situations were positively associated with adjustment and gains in self-esteem across the transition. The results are discussed in light of the salient developmental tasks confronting the early adolescent and the role offamily and school contexts in facilitating the successful negotiation of these tasks.