ERIC Number: EJ1019386
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Aug
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-202X
EISSN: N/A
Changes in Stress and Psychological Adjustment during the Transition to High School among Freshmen in an Accelerated Curriculum
Suldo, Shannon M.; Shaunessy-Dedrick, Elizabeth
Journal of Advanced Academics, v24 n3 p195-218 Aug 2013
This study determined whether participation in an accelerated curriculum (specifically, the International Baccalaureate [IB] program) upon entry to high school is associated with increases in stress and/or associated with psychological problems. Data from self-report questionnaires were collected at two time points (summer after eighth grade, fall of ninth grade) from 134 freshmen entering three high schools. Results indicate that ninth-grade students in the IB program reported more perceived stress than students in general education, at levels higher than what was present before the students began high school. Despite this increase in stress, the psychological functioning (life satisfaction, psychopathology, and social anxiety) of IB students was statistically similar or superior to the mental health indicators reported by their peers in general education. The main effects of time, gender, and academic program are also discussed in the context of prior research on students' adjustment during the transition to high school.
Descriptors: Stress Variables, Emotional Adjustment, Advanced Placement Programs, High School Freshmen, Life Satisfaction, General Education, Psychopathology, Questionnaires, Student Attitudes, Anxiety, Mental Health, Comparative Analysis, Measures (Individuals), Gender Differences, Socioeconomic Status, Racial Differences
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A