Self-esteem was assessed using a shortened version of Coopersmith's self-esteem scale. Four self-esteem trajectories were identified that replicated previous research: (1) consistently high; (2) moderate and rising; (3) steadily decreasing; and (4) consistently low. Female adolescents were more likely to be in the steadily decreasing self-esteem group, while male adolescents were more likely to be in the moderate and rising self-esteem group. Repeated measures analysis showed young people with consistently high and moderate and rising self-esteem reported developmentally healthier outcomes in the 10th grade than other young people. Young people with high self-esteem were less susceptible to peer pressure, school grades were correlated positively with self-esteem trajectories, and alcohol use and tolerance for deviance were greatest among young people with decreasing self-esteem. Implications of the findings for studying self-esteem and developmental change are discussed. 55 references, 1 table, and 6 figures