Longitudinal Study of Self-Esteem: Implications for Adolescent Development

• NCJ Number: 168007
• Journal: Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1997) Pages: 117-141
• Author(s): M A Zimmerman; L A Copeland; J T Shope; T E Dielman
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 25 pages
• Grant Number(s): AA06324; AA09026
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study used a cluster analytic approach to identify self-esteem trajectories among 1,160 adolescents in southeastern Michigan in the 6th to 10th grades over a 4-year period.

Abstract

Self-esteem was assessed using a shortened version of Coopersmith's self-esteem scale. Four self-esteem trajectories were identified that replicated previous research: (1) consistently high; (2) moderate and rising; (3) steadily decreasing; and (4) consistently low. Female adolescents were more likely to be in the steadily decreasing self-esteem group, while male adolescents were more likely to be in the moderate and rising self-esteem group. Repeated measures analysis showed young people with consistently high and moderate and rising self-esteem reported developmentally healthier outcomes in the 10th grade than other young people. Young people with high self-esteem were less susceptible to peer pressure, school grades were correlated positively with self-esteem trajectories, and alcohol use and tolerance for deviance were greatest among young people with decreasing self-esteem. Implications of the findings for studying self-esteem and developmental change are discussed. 55 references, 1 table, and 6 figures