Longitudinal changes in adolescent adjustment: A latent transition analysis

Previous studies have suggested that heterogeneity existed on adolescent adjustment, yet few studies have examined the longitudinal stability and transition patterns for subgroups of adjustment. The current study conducted a 2-wave longitudinal study in a sample of adolescents (2422 students, 47.5% girls, Mage of adolescents at baseline = 12.78 years, SD = 0.87) to determine whether heterogeneity existed on development of adjustment, particularly among early adolescence. By using Latent profile analysis, four meaningful adjustment subgroups: Good Adjustment, Moderate Adjustment, Emotional Behavior Maladjustment, Interpersonal Maladjustment were identified in two time points separately. Furthermore, latent transition anqalysis indicated that adolescents who matched the profiles of Good Adjustment, Moderate Adjustment, and Emotional Behavior Maladjustment were more likely to remain stable across time. However, those matching Interpersonal Maladjustment profiles were more likely to transit to Moderate Adjustment. Finally, distinct adjustment developmental pathways were found in boys and girls. To our knowledge, this study is the first differentiated and dynamic picture of adolescents’ developing adjustment of early adolescents. The results also benefit from clarifing developmental risk models for adolescent adjustment from a longitudinal personal-oriented perspective.