Self-Esteem and School Belongingness: A Cross-Lagged Panel Study among Urban Youth

The present study explored the causal relationship between self-esteem and school belongingness among a sample of urban youth. Based on a longitudinal cross-lagged panel design, the results offered initial support for the personal agency perspective of growth in self-esteem leading to growth in school belongingness. We discuss the implications for school counselors and the study's limitations and directions for future research.