Preschool measures of self-esteem and achievement motivation as predictors of third-grade achievement

08/01/2025 | PAXIS Institute |

Longitudinal data on 404 children from predominantly low-income areas in 3 regionally distinct sites were used to determine (a) the relation of preschool, kindergarten, and 1st-grade measures of self-esteem and achievement motivation (the Brown IDS Self-Concept Referents Test and Gumpgookies, respectively) to reading, mathematics, and problem-solving (Raven Colored Progressive Matrices) performance in the 3rd grade; and (b) whether such measures can improve on predictions made solely from an early achievement measure (Caldwell’s Preschool Inventory). Although the early self-esteem scores had a strong negative skew, they contributed significantly to predictions of 3rd-grade performance. However, the predictive variation in the scores may have represented differences in task understanding and attentiveness rather than differences in self-esteem. Achievement motivation scores, especially in the year prior to entrance into 1st grade, contributed significantly to predictions of later achievement. Results varied somewhat by sex, socioeconomic status, and geographical site.

Citation: Bridgeman B, Shipman VC. Preschool measures of self-esteem and achievement motivation as predictors of third-grade achievement. Journal of Educational Psychology 1978;70:17-28.

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