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Girls whose physical maturity starts early are
often treated by adults and peers as if they are
older. This can make it difficult to meet
the expectations of others, but as a result, early-maturing
girls are also often able to develop more social
sophistication, cognitive maturity, and coping
skills.
- Girls who appear physically mature early on
in adolescence are likely to begin dating earlier
than their peers, but are also likely to feel
greater anxiety about it.
- Late-maturing girls experience less social pressure
while they are growing up. However, they
often inflict anxiety and doubt upon themselves.
- Late-maturing girls have a relatively safe adolescence,
but this may lead to more difficulty in developing
the coping skills that are seen in early maturers.
- Boys who become physically mature earlier have
a competitive edge in sports when playing against
other boys of the same age. Since many boys
place great importance on success in athletics,
this can be viewed as a significant accomplishment.
- Early-maturing boys can find it difficult to
interact with their peers, but because of their
quickly-increasing skills and abilities they can
often be viewed as leaders by their peers, which
can lead to positive personality traits such as
poise and self-confidence.
- Early-maturing boys also find it easier to attract
girls of their own age compared to boys who mature
on time or late.
- Late-maturing boys may have a wider range of
cognitive abilities and coping skills, allowing
them to tackle in-depth problems with greater
facility.
- Late-maturing boys can be at a disadvantage
in boy-girl relationships as other boys of the
same age appear more developed. They are
also less frequently chosen as leaders.
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