ABSTRACT
This chapter conceptualises wellbeing as the basic psychological needs for identity, self-esteem, competence, autonomy and social support. Then it explains how wellbeing alters at school transition through the process of person-environment fit. Social support is a broad term that encompasses many types of relational activity. Having social support is part of developing competence, as friends, teachers and parents help children evaluate their competence, set joint goals for becoming more competent, and teach necessary skills. Relationships support children's autonomy. Autonomy is important during childhood, but takes on a new meaning during adolescence as children strive to become more independent of their parents and carers. Identities can also be thought of as healthy when people match well with people's emotional, cognitive and physical qualities. The chapter presents psychological wellbeing and person-environment fit by illustrating how two children adapted in very different ways after changing schools.
