Self-monitoring and self-esteem during the transition from elementary to high school

Abstract

Possible changes in self-monitoring and self-esteem during the transition from elementary to high school were examined. One-hundred-seventy-eight fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth graders completed the Junior Self-Monitoring Scale (JSMS) and the Self-Perception Profile for Children {SPPC). Significant differences among grades in self-esteem and self-monitoring were found. Eighth graders perceived themselves to be more scholastically competent than fifth graders; they had lower self-perceptions of physical appearance than sixth graders. On the JSMS, fifth graders had higher scores on other-directedness than seventh graders. Females scored lower on perceived physical appearance and higher on perceived behavioral conduct than males. Positive correlations were found between SPPC subscales: social acceptance was related to athletic competence and to physical appearance; behavioral conduct was related to athletic competence and to global self-worth. The JSMS subscales of other-directedness and acting were positively correlated. A negative relationship was found between the SPPC global self-worth subscale and the JSMS other-directedness subscale