Final answer:
A child with low self-esteem is likely to exhibit the highest level of self-protection as they are more sensitive to external assessment and have a more fragile self-concept.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options provided, the child most likely to exhibit the highest level of self-protection is c. a child with low self-esteem. Children with low self-esteem often engage in self-protective strategies because they are more sensitive to how others perceive them and are more impacted by negative assessments or social comparisons. While children who are highly successful academically or athletically might also engage in self-protection to maintain their status, it is typically the children with lower self-esteem who are more proactive in protecting their sense of self, as their self-concept is more fragile and more frequently challenged.
In the context of Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, as children transition through the stages of toddlerhood, elementary school, and adolescence, they continuously evaluate and redefine their sense of self. It is during these stages that the importance of self-concept is underscored, as it underpins their confidence and overall socioemotional health. The support from parents and teachers in fostering a positive self-concept can be instrumental, as it can mitigate the risk of low self-esteem and the need for self-protective strategies.