Thomas M. Brinthaupt is Professor of Psychology at Middle Tennessee State University, and Richard P. Lipka is Professor and Director of the Center for Educational Services, Evaluation and Research at Pittsburg State University. They are the editors of The Role of Self in Teacher Development; Changing the Self: Philosophies, Techniques, and Experiences; Self-Perspectives across the Life Span; and The Self: Definitional and Methodological Issues, all published by SUNY Press.

• Contributors 1. Understanding Early Adolescent Self and Identity: An IntroductionThomas M. Brinthaupt & Richard P. Lipka Part I. Conceptual Issues 2. Self and Identity in Early Adolescence: The Pains and Gains of Knowing Who and What You AreCatrin Finkenauer, Rutger C. M. E. Engels, Wim Meeus, & Annerieke Oosterwegel 3. Self-Esteem as a Multifaceted ConstructMichael H. Kernis Part II. School and the Sense of Self 4. On Academic Identity Formation in Middle School Settings During Early Adolescence: A Motivational-Contextual PerspectiveRobert W. Roeser & Shun Lau 5. The Ecology of Middle Grades School and Possible Selves: Theory, Research, and ActionPeggy Clements & Edward Seidman Part III. Peer Relationships and Behavioral Problems 6. Self, Self-Esteem, Conflicts, and Best Friendships in Early AdolscenceMargarita Azmitia 7. Stability and Change in Global Self-Esteem and Self-Related AffectFrançoise Alsaker & Dan Olweus 8. Influence of Competence and Alcohol Use on Self-Esteem: Latent Growth Curve Models Using Longitudinal DateLawrence M. Scheier & Gilbert J. Botvin Part IV. Early Adolescent Interventions 9. Identity in Early Adolescence via Social Change Activities: Experience of the Adolescent Social Action ProgramLily Dow Velarde, Randall G. Starling, & Nina B. Wallerstein 10. A Place to Call Home: Youth Organizations in the Lives of Inner City AdolescentsNancy L. Deutsch & Barton J. Hirsch 11. Esteem-Enhancement Interventions During Early AdolescenceDavid L. DuBois, Carol Burk-Braxton, & Heather D. Tevendale Index