Changes in achievement goals over the transition from secondary school into new
educational contexts (e.g., vocational training, university studies) were addressed using a
sample of 367 secondary school graduates who were tracked across three measuring
points over a period of eight months (online questionnaires). Latent growth curve
modeling indicated an increase in mastery goals and a decrease in work avoidance goals
for all educational contexts into which transitions were made. Moreover, self-esteem at
the first measuring point was found to protect an individual against maladaptive
developments in achievement goal setting over the transitional period following
secondary school graduation.