Whatever happened to the Jock, the brain, and the princess? Young adult pathways linked to adolescent activity involvement and social identity

This study examined young adult sequelae of participation in high school ac tivities and identity group for 900 participants from the Michigan Study of Life Transitions. Participation at Grade 10 in high school activities pred icted later substance use, psychological adjustment, and educational and oc cupational outcomes. Prosocial activity participation predicted lower subst ance use and higher self-esteem and an increased likelihood of college grad uation. Performing arts participation predicted more years of education as well as increases in drinking between ages 18 and 21 and higher rates of su icide attempts and psychologist visits by the age of 24. Sports participati on predicted positive educational and occupational outcomes and lower level s of social isolation but also higher rates of drinking. Breakfast Club ide ntity categories were predictive of both levels and longitudinal patterns i n substance use, education and work outcomes, and psychological adjustment. In general, Jocks and Brains showed the most positive adjustment and Crimi nals the least.