Middle school is a time of many changes for young adolescents. They are "searching for individual identity, struggling with society's norms, and grappling with moral issues." They are changing and maturing physically, cognitively, socially, and psychologically as they develop their identities; establish, maintain, and end friendships and social…

Competition is an integral part of the American value structure. Since competitive attitudes and behaviors are learned, the competitive process can be modified. Two contrasting orientations to the competition phenomenon--competition as product and competition as process--are described, and suggestions for change are made. (JN)