Date of Graduation
Spring 2022
Degree
Master of Science in Child Life Studies
Department
Childhood Education and Family Studies
Committee Chair
Lindsey Murphy
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the worries that students encounter and to explore students’ perceptions of the helpfulness of specific supports when transitioning to middle school. It gives insight to schools, parents, future students, and administrators, which can help them create better resources, programs, and tools to support students during this transition. The research questions were: Which factors lead students to worry most during the transition to middle school? Which supports do students think would be most beneficial to assist with the middle school transition? This mixed methods study gathered data through surveys from seventy 6th grade students located in a rural, Midwestern middle school. This research study ultimately found that students were most worried about moving to a new building and an increased school workload. Along with this, many students claimed that LEAD class and a tour of the building were the most helpful, and that teachers were the most helpful support group during the transition.
Keywords
middle school transition, worries, student’s perception, orientation, transitional factors, relational supports, anxiety
Subject Categories
Development Studies | Education
Copyright
© Kearstin Hofstetter
Recommended Citation
Hofstetter, Kearstin, "Factors Leading to Worry and Helpful Supports During the Transition to Middle School" (2022). MSU Graduate Theses. 3723.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3723
