The development of self- and group orientations among Chinese young adolescents: Implications for social and behavioral adjustment.

Abstract

Self-and group orientations represent distinct ways of perceiving the relations between the world and the self and are relevant to adolescents' development. Most of the existing studies in this area are cross-sectional, providing little information about how self-and group orientations develop. This 3-year longitudinal study examined the developmental patterns of self-and group orientations and their relations with adjustment among Chinese adolescents. The participants included 1,257 students (648 boys, initial M age = 13.37 years, SD = 0.63 years). Data on self-and group orientations and social and behavioral adjustment were obtained from multiple sources, including self-reports, peer nominations, and teacher ratings. The results showed that selforientation increased, and group orientation decreased during early adolescence. Moreover, an increase (slope) in self-orientation was positively associated with subsequent assertive behavior, whereas a slower decrease in group orientation was positively associated with subsequent prosocial behavior and peer preference. The initial level (intercept) of self-orientation was positively associated with later externalizing problems, and the initial level of group orientation was negatively associated with later internalizing problems. The intercepts of self-and group orientations were higher for boys than girls. No significant gender differences were found in the slopes of self-and group orientations or in the associations of intercepts and slopes with adjustment outcomes. The results indicated different developmental patterns of self-and group orientations and their different implications for adjustment in Chinese adolescents. Public Significance StatementThis study advances our understanding about the development of self-and group orientations during early adolescence and its implications for adolescents' adjustment in China. Educators, professionals, and parents should consider an integrative approach to help adolescents cope with challenges in adjustment from a developmental perspective. The results inform efforts to promote adaptive functioning of adolescents in the contemporary Chinese society.