The current study examined developmental change in future orientation and perseverance across childhood and adolescence. Drawing from stage-environment fit theory, the study examined how adolescents' perceptions of key school experiences (teacher support, school climate, high-quality organized activities, school transitions) and socioemotional competencies covaried across time. Using an accelerated longitudinal design, a diverse sample of 4,055 youth in grades 6-12 completed assessments at 4 time points. Latent growth curve analyses revealed future orientation and perseverance both followed a quadratic trajectory marked by growth in early adolescence, followed by a leveling off in later adolescence. School experiences positively covaried with socioemotional competencies. Findings provide insight into patterns of age-related change and offer implications for practices aimed at promoting future orientation and perseverance.
© 2020 Society for Research on Adolescence.