In comparison with their late-maturing peers, early-maturing boys are ______.

• A. less likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors
• B. more likely to experience social withdrawal and low self-esteem
• C. more likely to be confident and popular among peers
• D. more likely to have academic difficulties due to late physical development

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of 'early maturation' in boys, which refers to boys who experience physical development earlier than their peers during adolescence.
2. Recall psychological and social research findings on early-maturing boys, focusing on how early physical development influences their social interactions and self-perception.
3. Consider the typical behavioral and emotional outcomes associated with early maturation, such as increased confidence and popularity due to appearing more physically mature.
4. Contrast these outcomes with those of late-maturing boys, who may experience social withdrawal or low self-esteem due to feeling less developed compared to peers.
5. Conclude that early-maturing boys are generally more likely to be confident and popular among peers, rather than less likely to engage in risk-taking or having academic difficulties related to late development.