Pathways to science: Factors shaping early adolescent science identity development

IF 2.2 2区心理学 Q2 PSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENTAL

Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology Pub Date : 2025-01-22 DOI:10.1016/j.appdev.2025.101756

Ella Ofek-Geva

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This study explores scientific identity development in students transitioning to middle school, examining factors influencing science engagement. The study tracked 9 students (7 fourth, 2 fifth graders) over two years in public elementary and middle-schools. Findings reveal both intrinsic motivations, such as inherent enthusiasm for hands-on discovery, and external forces, including parental attitudes and their influence on the development of emerging identities. While an early positive attitude toward science appears, marked divergences emerge in the middle-school between students aspiring toward science and those who do not. For the latter group, family support and flexible pedagogy can sustain interest. Among intrinsically motivated students, environments that foster exploration and provide recognition during the emotionally charged period of puberty are critical for maintaining interest and the desire to continue engaging in science. Findings on the interplay of motivations, relationships, and puberty inform strategies for science engagement in early adolescence.

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来源期刊

Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology PSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENTAL-

CiteScore

5.10

自引率

3.30%

发文量

期刊介绍： The Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology focuses on two key concepts: human development, which refers to the psychological transformations and modifications that occur during the life cycle and influence an individual behavior within the social milieu; and application of knowledge, which is derived from investigating variables in the developmental process. Its contributions cover research that deals with traditional life span markets (age, social roles, biological status, environmental variables) and broadens the scopes of study to include variables that promote understanding of psychological processes and their onset and development within the life span. Most importantly.