Changes in quality of life and psychological need satisfaction following the transition to secondary school

Bibliographic Data

ID5263372
AuthorsFiona Gillison (0000-0002-6461-7638, University of Bath, corresponding author), Martyn Standage (0000-0002-9683-8590, University of Bath), Suzanne M Skevington (0000-0001-6861-5018, University of Bath), Suzanne Skevington
Year2008
Volume78
Issue1
Pages149-162
Publication date2008-03-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBritish Journal of Educational Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0007-0998 • E-ISSN: 2044-8279
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1348/000709907x209863
PMID17535521
OpenAlexW2073834278
LanguageEN
Citations received21
References cited52

BackgroundQuality of life (QoL) is an important area for research during adolescence, due to its associations with (1) physical and mental health and (2) the emergence of health risk behaviours. A time that poses a particular threat to QoL is the transition from primary to secondary school.AimsThis study aimed to investigate changes in QoL immediately following the transition to secondary school. Using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a conceptual foundation, the relationship between QoL and satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs advanced by SDT (autonomy, competence and relatedness) was explored.SampleThe sample comprised 63 Year 7 students (age 11-12 years) attending a UK coeducational secondary school.MethodData were collected using self-report questionnaires on three occasions over 10 weeks, starting on the second week of term. Change in need satisfaction was used to predict change in QoL, and the possible reciprocal relationship explored using regression analysis.ResultsA meaningful improvement in QoL was recorded for 21% of students. Improvements in QoL were predicted by satisfaction of the needs for autonomy and relatedness, but not by competence, explaining 36% of the variance. QoL showed a weaker, but reciprocal effect on need satisfaction.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that support for the needs for autonomy and relatedness would provide the most likely route to the enhancement of student QoL over the transition to senior school

Developmental psychology · Life satisfaction · Quality (philosophy) · Transition (genetics) · Clinical Psychology · Disability Education and Employment · Education, Achievement, and Giftedness · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Psychology · Social Psychology

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