Dimensions of Early Adolescent Social Perceptions and Preferences

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Abstract
This study was undertaken to assess the psychosocial characteristics of early adolescents in two K-6 and a 6-8 school. All students in grade 6 of two feeder schools and grades 6 and 7 of a middle school (the two transition years) [N=568] from a Los Angeles suburb were studied. Results did not indicate any differences on ten psychosocial dimensions by overall school configuration. Age seems to explain the greatest number of significant results, more so than either type of school or grade in school. The study yielded few results in the areas of anonymity, victimization, and self-esteem, three areas that have been heavily investigated in recent years. With regard to early adolescent perceptions of adults, most results yielded high compatibility, few generational differences, and a desire for adult support.