Which statement best describes how boys and girls typically respond to the effects of puberty on body image according to developmental psychology research?

• A. Puberty has little to no effect on body image for either boys or girls.
• B. Boys tend to experience more body dissatisfaction than girls during puberty.
• C. Girls often experience increased body dissatisfaction during puberty, while boys are more likely to feel positive about their changing bodies.
• D. Both boys and girls generally experience increased body satisfaction during puberty.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of body image, which refers to a person's perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about their physical appearance.
2. Recognize that puberty involves significant physical changes that can impact body image differently for boys and girls due to social, cultural, and biological factors.
3. Review developmental psychology research findings that indicate girls often experience increased body dissatisfaction during puberty, largely due to societal pressures and changes such as weight gain or body shape alterations.
4. Note that boys, in contrast, tend to feel more positive or have increased body satisfaction during puberty, often because of muscle growth and height increases that align with cultural ideals of masculinity.
5. Conclude that the statement best describing typical responses is that girls often experience increased body dissatisfaction during puberty, while boys are more likely to feel positive about their changing bodies.