Which of the following statements is true regarding the development of self-understanding in children?

• A. Children's self-understanding does not change significantly from early childhood to adolescence.
• B. Children's self-understanding becomes more complex and includes psychological traits as they grow older.
• C. Young children primarily describe themselves using abstract concepts rather than physical characteristics.
• D. Older children are less likely than younger children to compare themselves to others.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of self-understanding in developmental psychology, which refers to how children perceive and describe themselves over time.
2. Recognize that in early childhood, children tend to describe themselves using concrete and observable characteristics, such as physical traits and possessions.
3. Note that as children grow into adolescence, their self-understanding becomes more complex, incorporating psychological traits, emotions, and social comparisons.
4. Evaluate each statement by comparing it to developmental research findings: for example, the idea that self-understanding does not change significantly is inconsistent with evidence showing increasing complexity.
5. Conclude that the true statement is the one reflecting the developmental progression toward more abstract and psychological self-descriptions as children mature.