Explored the role of perceived daily hassles, social support, and involvement with family leisure activities among racially/ethnically diverse, poor, urban adolescents transitioning to junior high school. Found that adolescents who perceived fewer daily hassles and more family involvement prior to transition appeared less vulnerable to self-esteem declines. Adolescents who perceived fewer daily hassles declined less in class preparedness. Social support moderated the effect of daily hassles on class preparation. (Author/KB)