Participation in extracurricular activities has been linked to which of the following outcomes in developmental psychology?

• A. Increased risk of social isolation
• B. Lower levels of self-esteem
• C. Improved social skills and higher academic achievement
• D. Delayed cognitive development

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the question, which is about the effects of participation in extracurricular activities within developmental psychology.
2. Step 2: Recall that developmental psychology studies how people grow and change over time, including social, emotional, and cognitive development.
3. Step 3: Consider research findings that link extracurricular activities to positive developmental outcomes, such as enhanced social skills and academic performance.
4. Step 4: Evaluate each option by comparing it to established psychological research: increased social isolation and lower self-esteem are generally not associated with extracurricular participation, nor is delayed cognitive development.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the most supported outcome is 'Improved social skills and higher academic achievement,' as extracurricular activities provide opportunities for social interaction and skill-building that contribute to these positive effects.