Self-Esteem in Early Adolescence Revisited: A Promising Sequel and a Casting Call for Future Roles

In Part 1 of this two-part special issue, a general conceptual model of early adolescent self-esteem was presented. Findings from several empirical studies illustrated differing aspects of the model. The articles included in Part II of the special issue address further significant concerns, including the need to examine self-esteem in the context of other relevant aspects of early adolescent development (e.g., pubertal status) and its reciprocal relation over time to indicators of adjustment (e.g., problem behavior). Implications of theory and research for esteem enhancement in social-community interventions with young adolescents also are considered. It is noteworthy, however, that certain types of research were underrepresented in submissions to the special issue. These include investigations using qualitative sources of data and cross-cultural studies. Both types of research present many possibilities for enhancing understanding of early adolescent self-esteem. The special issue concludes with a commentary that critically evaluates future directions for the field.