Which statement is NOT listed as a disadvantage for being an early maturer female?

Which statement is NOT listed as a disadvantage for being an early maturer female?

• A. Popularity with boys
• B. Early sexual activity
• C. Substance use
• D. Higher self-esteem

Answer: (D)

Early maturation in girls tends to bring adjustment challenges during adolescence. Being physically ahead can draw attention from older peers, leading to dating pressure and earlier involvement with boys, which is not without risk. It’s also linked to earlier sexual activity and a greater likelihood of substance use as ways some adolescents cope with or respond to the social and emotional stresses of growing up sooner. Higher self-esteem, on the other hand, isn’t seen as a disadvantage of early maturation; it’s more often regarded as a protective factor or at least not a risk factor. So the statement that doesn’t fit the pattern of disadvantages is higher self-esteem.

Early maturation in girls tends to bring adjustment challenges during adolescence. Being physically ahead can draw attention from older peers, leading to dating pressure and earlier involvement with boys, which is not without risk. It’s also linked to earlier sexual activity and a greater likelihood of substance use as ways some adolescents cope with or respond to the social and emotional stresses of growing up sooner. Higher self-esteem, on the other hand, isn’t seen as a disadvantage of early maturation; it’s more often regarded as a protective factor or at least not a risk factor. So the statement that doesn’t fit the pattern of disadvantages is higher self-esteem.