Proactivity, Rolefulness, and School Maladjustment: A Longitudinal Study of Japanese High School Students

Abstract

Utilizing longitudinal data, this study examined the relationship between rolefulness, proactivity, and school maladjustment and how these factors interrelate over time among high school students in Japan. The results indicated that a proactive personality mediates satisfaction with social roles and decreases school maladjustment. Additionally, social rolefulness mediates proactivity and reduces maladjustment symptoms. These findings suggest that students who actively seek roles in their school environment and derive satisfaction from them are less likely to experience maladjustments. Moreover, positive role experiences may foster proactive traits and reduce school maladjustment. This study examined the impact of school maladjustment and emphasized the importance of rolefulness and having a proactive personality as protective factors against students’ school maladjustment. Further qualitative and longitudinal studies across diverse contexts are recommended to deepen the understanding and develop effective interventions to reduce maladjustment and suicide among youth.