Motivation, engagement, and achievement decline for many children during early adolescence. There is increasing attention to the role peer relationships play in changes in academic adjustment during this stage of life. The articles in this special issue advance knowledge on this topic. This introductory article provides an overview of the articles in the special issue, noting key findings and commenting on important contributions. Ideas for future research on peer relationships and academic adjustment are discussed.
Anderman, E.M., & Maehr, M.L. ( 1994). Motivation and schooling in the middle grades. Review of Educational Research, 64, 287-309.
2.
Bandura, A. ( 1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall .
3.
Blyth, D.A., Simmons, R.G., & Bush, D. ( 1978). The transition into early adolescence: A longitudinal comparison of youth in two educational contexts. Sociology of Education, 51, 149-162.
4.
Buhs, E.S., Ladd, G.W., & Herald, S.L. ( 2006). Peer exclusion and victimization: Processes that mediate the relation between peer group rejection and children’s classroom engagement and achievement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 98, 1-13.
5.
Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development. ( 1989). Turning points: Preparing American youth for the 21st century. New York: Author.
6.
Eccles, J., Midgley, C., Wigfield, A., Buchanan, C.M., Reuman, D., Flanagan, C., et al. (1993). Development during adolescence: The impact of stage-environment fit on young adolescents’ experience in schools and families. American Psychologist, 48, 90-101.
7.
Finger, J.A., & Silverman, M. ( 1966). Changes in academic performance in the junior high school . Personnel and Guidance Journal, 45, 157-164.
8.
Gest, S.D., Rulison, K.L., Davidson, A.J., & Welsh, J.A. ( 2008). A reputation for success (or failure): The association of peer academic reputations with academic self-concept, effort, and performance across the upper elementary grades. Developmental Psychology , 44, 625-636.
9.
Kindermann, T.A. ( 2007). Effects of naturally-existing peer groups on changes in academic engagement in a cohort of sixth graders. Child Development, 78, 1186-1203.
10.
Mayeux, L., Sandstrom, M.J., & Cillessen, A.H.N. (2008). Is being popular a risky proposition? Journal of Research on Adolescence, 18, 49-74.
11.
Ryan, A.M. ( 2001). The peer group as a context for the development of young adolescents’ motivation and achievement. Child Development , 72, 1135-1150.
12.
Wentzel, K. ( 2009). Peers and Academic functioning at school. In K. H. Rubin, W. M. Bukowski , & B. Laursen (Eds.), Handbook of peer interactions, relationships and groups (pp. 531-547). New York: Guilford.
