The Psychological Effects of Unemployment and Unsatisfactory Employment on Young Adults: Findings from a 10-Year Longitudinal Study

The purpose of the present study was to extend the external validity of an earlier longitudinal study of school leavers by including participants from a representative sample of secondary schools. Questionnaires were administered annually to a sample of South Australian school leavers over a 10-year period. At Time 1 participants were in the last compulsory year of high school aged around 15 years and at Time 10 they were aged around 25 years. Results confirmed those from an earlier longitudinal study showing that the transition from school to satisfactory employment was associated with significant improvements in psychological well-being, whereas transition from school to unemployment or unsatisfactory employment showed no change in psychological well-being. The current findings extended the external validity of the earlier study because whereas participants in the earlier study were sampled from co-educational metropolitan public high schools, the current study included participants from every kind of high school: single sex as well as co-educational, rural as well as metropolitan, and private as well as public.     

Pick Your Poison: Examining Adolescent Substance Use through Opportunity Theory

The present study examines substance use behaviors of middle and high school students, focusing on how varying influences of opportunity measures impact use of specific types of substances. The data used in the present study come from almost 4,000 students within 89 school contexts from students attending public school in a Southern state. Hierarchical logistic modeling is used to explore the influence of various opportunities at both the student and school levels on the use of different types of substances. Results indicate measures of opportunity at both the student and school levels were significant; however, measures at the individual level were consistently more influential.     

Self-Perception Profile of Adolescent Girls at a Single-Sex and a Mixed-Sex School

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between attendance at either a single- or a mixed-sex school and scores on the Self-Perception Profile for Children (Harter, 1985). Subjects included 143 Northern Irish adolescent girls from a single-sex secondary school in Belfast and 24 adolescent girls from a mixed-sex secondary school matched for location and religious affiliation. Results indicated that girls from the single-sex school were less happy than girls at the mixed-sex school with respect to their physical appearance, but more satisfied with their behavioral conduct. In addition, physical appearance was the best predictor of global self-worth for girls at the mixed-sex school, whereas behavioral conduct was the best predictor of global self-worth for girls at the single-sex school.     

The role of educational track in adolescents' school burnout: A longitudinal study

Background Transition from comprehensive school to later educational tracks is challenging for many adolescents. The present three‐wave longitudinal study conducted in Finland considers this issue from the perspective of school burnout. Aims The study investigated the extent to which school‐related burnout (exhaustion, cynicism, and feelings of inadequacy) changes during the transition from comprehensive school to an academic or vocational track. Sample The participants of the present study were 658 ninth graders, who filled in questionnaires twice during their final term of comprehensive school and once after the transition to post‐comprehensive schooling. Methods The participants filled in the school burnout inventory and supplied background information on gender and academic achievement. The data have analysed by latent growth curve modelling. Results The results showed that adolescents on an academic track experienced more exhaustion at school than those on a vocational track. Moreover, among adolescents on an academic track both the level of cynicism and inadequacy at school increased across time. In turn, among adolescents on a vocational track inadequacy at school decreased across time while cynicism increased before the school transition and decreased thereafter. Girls experienced more overall school burnout than boys, and adolescents whose academic achievement was lower experienced a higher level of burnout than adolescents who did better at school. Conclusions The results support the stage‐environment fit theory according to which the nature of the environments in academic and vocational education are more important than the transition per se for changes in how adolescents think and feel about school (see Eccles & Midgley, 1989 ).     

Culture and Character Education in a Jewish Day School: A Case Study of Life and Experience

This article addresses how to teach character comprehensively by studying ways a school's concurrent curricula (the official curriculum, the operational curriculum, the extra curriculum, and the hidden curriculum) can be used to teach character to students. A single case study analyzes the curriculum at a Jewish day school by examining school documents and records, observing classroom instruction and school culture, and interviewing school administrators and teachers. This research concludes that the Jewish day school teaches character comprehensively through a religious foundation—from which the entire curriculum evolves. The study indicates that addressing character education through religious studies, school traditions, and school culture will enable both public and private schools to fully integrate character education into the school program.     

学校心理环境对小学4～6年级学生学业表现的作用及条件

本研究基于具有良好全国代表性的中国儿童青少年心理发育特征数据库,使用多水平建模,分析了来自全国100个区县421所学校的心理环境特征对10826名小学4~6年级学生学业表现的影响途径及其发挥作用的条件。研究结果表明:(1)小学4~6年级学生学习动机和态度及学业成绩中分别有10.0%和33.3%的变异来自学生个体以外的学校因素。(2)在控制学生年级、性别、家庭背景和学校所在地、师资、学校学生总体家庭社会经济地位(SES)等基本特征后,学校总体和学生个体知觉两个层次的学校心理环境对学生学习动机和态度的影响均显著大于其对学生学业成绩的影响;与个体知觉到的心理环境相比,学校总体心理环境对学生学业成绩的作用相对较强。(3)学校总体心理环境对学生学业表现的影响受到学校所在地、学校师资水平、学校学生总体社会经济地位的显著调节。学校总体心理环境对处于师资水平较低、平均家庭年收入较低学校学生的学习动机和态度具有相对更强的保护作用;对处于农村、师资水平较低、平均家长文化水平较低学校学生的学业成绩具有相对更强的保护性作用。上述结果表明,学校总体心理环境对学生学业表现具有重要影响,个体知觉到的心理环境仅部分中介其作用;且学校总体心理环境对学生学业表现的作用强度受到学校所在地、师资水平和学校学生总体社会经济地位的调节。     

Early school leaving in the lower vocational track: triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data

This study assessed the reasons for very early school leaving of boys in the lower secondary vocational track. A unique combination of quantitative and qualitative data from different sources provided background data on these boys from a national cohort study on their elementary and high school periods. In-depth interviews in which the boys reflect on their early school leaving were conducted. Four case studies are presented in which the boys' own reflections are interpreted in light of the cohort data. It was found that several factors contribute simultaneously to early school leaving; however, the emphasis lies with learning problems, lack of motivation, and problems arising from choosing the wrong vocational track. Specific personal problems also negatively affect the school career. While the boys do not feel alienated from school, they do not enjoy studying and would rather start work. This approach of combining data appears to be worth reproducing.     

中学生自我表露的发展

本研究采用自我报告的方法,以294名初一、初二、高一、高二年级的中学生为对象,考察自我表露的6个维度在中学阶段的发展趋势。结果表明:(1)中学生在态度、爱好、学习、金钱、个性、和身体6个维度的自我表露水平上,从初中到高中均呈上升趋势。但从初一到初二、从高一到高二的发展变化不大,从初二到高一普遍表现出自我表露的明显而快速的发展。从初二到高一是中学生自我表露发展的转折年龄。(2)中学生在自我表露各个维度的表露水平上存在显著差异,在爱好和学习上表露的最多,其次是态度与个性,身体与金钱表露得最少。(3)在中学生自我表露的6个维度中,性别差异不显著,年级差异显著,年级和性别的交互作用显著。     

初中生校园压力来源及压力感特点研究

本研究在自编问卷的基础上,探讨初中生校园压力来源,及压力感的特点。结果表明：初中生的校园压力主要有四个来源,学校要求、自我表现、师生关系及同伴关系;初中生的校园压力感有5种体验类型,低压力型;高压力型;学校要求敏感型：自我表现敏感型;同伴关系敏感型;初中生校园压力感存在显著的年级差异,初二学生对学校要求有特殊敏感性,初一、初二年级自我表现方面的压力感突出,初三年级校园压力感总体水平较低;初中生的校园压力感没有显著的性别差异。     

A longitudinal study of school connectedness and academic outcomes across sixth grade

The current longitudinal study examines the extent to which school connectedness (i.e., students' perceptions of school support and the number of adults with whom they have a positive relationship) is associated with academic outcomes across sixth grade for students from high poverty neighborhoods. Data were collected from 330 sixth-grade students attending two middle schools in a large public school district. Specifically, students completed a survey to assess their perceived connection to the school environment, and academic information regarding students' grades, attendance, and discipline referrals was obtained from school records. Results from latent growth curve modeling showed that, on average, students' perceptions of school support declined significantly across the sixth-grade year. However, students who reported less decline, or growth, in school support across sixth grade had higher academic achievement at the end of the year than students who reported more decline in school support. Sixth-grade boys were at a greater risk for negative outcomes (i.e., lower school support, lower GPAs, and more discipline referrals) across the school year than girls. Results point to the importance of perceived connectedness to school in helping economically disadvantaged students experience a safe and successful transition to middle school.     

A Prospective Longitudinal Study of High School Dropouts Examining Multiple Predictors Across Development

Prior studies report a variety of demographic, school, individual, and family characteristics that are related to high school drop out. This study utilizes data from a 19-year prospective longitudinal study of “at-risk” children to explore multiple predictors of high school dropouts across development. The proposed model of dropping out emphasizes the importance of the early home environment and the quality of early caregiving influencing subsequent development. The results of this study demonstrate the association of the early home environment, the quality of early caregiving, socioeconomic status, IQ, behavior problems, academic achievement, peer relations, and parent involvement with dropping out of high school at age 19. These results are consistent with the view of dropping out as a dynamic developmental process that begins before children enter elementary school. Psychosocial variables prior to school entry predicted dropping out with power equal to later IQ and school achievement test scores. In our efforts to better understand processes influencing dropping out prior to high school graduation, early developmental features warrant further emphasis.     

Bullying in elementary school, high school, and college

This study investigated the continuity in being a bully, victim, or bully-victim from elementary school through college in 119 undergraduates. Of 25 who bullied in college, 18 (72%) had been bullied in high school and elementary school. Of 26 bullies in college, 14 (53.8%) had been bullies in high school and elementary school. Of 12 bully-victims in college, 5 (41.6%) had been bully-victims in high school and elementary school. There were significant positive correlations between being a bully in college, high school, and elementary school, and being bullied in college and high school, and high school and elementary school, and between being both a bully and victim in elementary school, a bully and victim in high school, and a bully and victim in college.     

Young people's perceptions and experiences of leaving high school early: an exploration

Research suggests it is important for students to feel a sense of belonging to their school. Students who do not belong at school often attempt to satisfy this need through membership in antisocial groups, or they drop out from school altogether. The current study explored the perceptions and experiences of the school context held by young people who have left school early. Twelve young people aged 16–19 years were interviewed on their experiences of school and their wellbeing as a result of leaving school early. Constructionist grounded theory methodology formed the basis of the data analysis. The early leaving process was identified as having three phases; exclusion from school, the transition into workforce and the ‘now’ phase. The results identified factors in the school context that contributed to early student withdrawal. Furthermore, the research has implications for creating a ‘normative narrative’ (Rappaport, 2000 ) in relation to early school leavers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The school psychologist in evaluating educational programs

A discussion of school psychology practice is presented, with emphasis on school programs rather than on individuals. While pressures exist to continue emphasizing the individual as the unit of study, current literature in evaluation theory and community psychology suggest a more viable model for the practice of school psychology. The learning process as it occurs in school programming is discussed, illustrating potential sources of involvement for school psychologists in effecting change in education. It is suggested that school psychologists, operating from a framework of evaluation theory, are well suited to be evaluators of school programs.     

课业负担对学校生活满意度的影响:学校氛围的多水平调节作用

课业负担对学校生活满意度有重要影响,但是学校氛围对课业负担的多水平调节作用少有研究涉及。在发展系统理论的基本框架下,本研究构建了一个多水平的调节模型,同时考察学校氛围中不同水平的变量对学生学校生活满意度的影响及其作用机制。以20155名五、八年级学生为研究对象,本研究采用学生知觉的师生关系及校长知觉的学生士气、教师士气、学生消极行为、教师负面状态来考察学生和校长对学校氛围的评价。多水平模型分析发现:(1)在控制了年级、性别、城乡后,课业负担对学校生活满意度仍有显著的消极影响;(2)课业负担对学校生活满意度的负向影响,随学生知觉的师生关系和校长知觉的学生士气的变好而减弱。研究结果有利于从发展系统理论及相互作用的视角理解学校氛围的作用,"减负"不仅要确实减少学生的课业负担,也要重视学校中其他环境变量的综合影响。     

学校氛围与青少年学校适应：一项追踪研究

通过对709名青少年进行追踪研究,分别以青少年自我报告与教师评价的方式测查了学校氛围与学校适应,主要探讨学校氛围与青少年学校适应的长期预测关系,以及性别在二者间的调节效应.结果表明:(1)青少年第一年感知到的学校氛围能预测其第二年、第三年的适应问题和适应能力,第二年感知到的学校氛围能预测其第三年的适应能力和学业成绩;(2)青少年感知到的自主机会对其学校适应有负面作用;(3)教师支持和同学支持对青少年学校适应具有积极作用,但同学支持的作用会随着在校时间的增加而发生逆转,即第一年的同学支持负向预测第二年的学习问题和第三年的学业成绩,正向预测第三年的适应能力,而第二年的同学支持则对第三年的适应能力和学业成绩均有负向预测作用;(4)女生的学校适应普遍好于男生,性别对学校氛围与青少年学校适应之间的关系具有部分调节作用.     

Students' perception of school moral atmosphere: From moral culture to social competence. A generalizability study

The School Moral Atmosphere Questionnaire (SMAQ) was constructed to measure differences in students' perception of school moral atmosphere between schools. The instrument is based upon the constructs defined by the Just Community Approach that focused on students' shared perspective and portrayed ideal types of school moral culture. This study presents reliability estimates of the SMAQ based on a generalizability study. A total of 1280 students from 32 normal secondary schools participated in the study. The design of the study includes the factors: type of school varying in educational level; school; grade level; class; and student. Variance components and reliabilities are estimated for two models. In Model 1 grade level is a fixed effect, in Model 2 grade level is a random effect. The results indicate that moral atmosphere in school can be measured reliably, although in Model 2 a considerable number of observations may be needed. Because score levels for some subscales depend on the school type, reliabilities are higher for the entire population than for populations consisting of one particular school type. It is concluded that students' perception of moral atmosphere in normal secondary schools have a strong individual flavour. Perceived moral atmosphere should not be regarded primarily as a shared perspective among students within a school like a moral school culture, but as an instance of the social competence of the individual student.     

The role of perceived parental socialization practices in school adjustment among Norwegian upper secondary school students

Background Lack of adjustment or school failure is a concern to educators, educational and school psychologists as well as parents, but few studies have focused on school adjustment during late adolescence. Moreover, studies have yet to explore associations between parenting and school adjustment among upper secondary school students. Aim The primary objective of this study is to explore the relative and unique influence of parental support, behavioural control and psychological control (overprotection and autonomy granting) in school adjustment among upper secondary school students. Sample The sample consisted of 564 students (15–18 years of age) in vocational and general educational courses from one upper secondary school in western Norway. Method The study was conducted as a survey. All data were based on adolescent reports, except for absence data, which were provided by the school. Results The results showed that perceived parental practices accounted for moderate, but statistically significant amounts of variance in different aspects of school adjustment. Conclusions The findings indicate that perceived parental socialization practices are only moderately associated with school adjustment among upper secondary school students. This probably reflects the fact that the influence of specific parenting practices declines as children and young adolescents mature into late adolescent students.