Does the timing of transition matter? Comparison of German students’ self-perceptions before and after transition to secondary school

The often observed decline in students’ self-perceptions across transition to secondary school after grade 6 is often attributed to students’ entry to puberty. This study aims to examine whether lowered self-perceptions can be observed after transition in Germany which occurs after grade 4 and thus takes place before puberty. Fifth graders (N = 307) were found to be lower in self-esteem, academic competence perceptions, and academic affect than 4th graders (N = 318). No mean differences were found for physical appearance and peer self-concepts. Boys and girls did not differ in their reactions to transition. Hence, students’ lowered self-perceptions after transition may be predominantly attributed to the transition itself rather than to the co-occurrence of transition and puberty.

► Study of transition to secondary school after grade 4 before students’ onset of puberty. ► Self-esteem of both boys and girls was lower in grade 5 than in grade 4. ► Perceived competence and affect in German, math, and all school subjects were lower for 5th graders. ► Physical appearance and peer self-concepts did not differ between students of grades 4 and 5. ► Environmental changes might account for lowered self-perceptions after transition.