Final answer:
The false statement about gender differences in self-esteem is that by middle school girls' self-esteem is significantly higher than boys'. In reality, girls' self-esteem is often lower than boys' by middle school, influenced by social and biological factors, and differential treatment in schools.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is FALSE regarding the findings about gender differences in self-esteem during childhood and adolescence is: c. By the middle school years, girls' self-esteem is significantly higher than that of boys. It is generally found that during childhood, the self-esteem of girls and boys is quite similar, however, by the time they reach middle school, girls' self-esteem tends to be lower than that of boys. This decline can be attributed to various social and biological factors, such as the onset of puberty and societal expectations.
Research shows that differences in self-esteem between genders can often be exaggerated. During early childhood, boys and girls typically have equivalent levels of self-esteem. As children transition into adolescence, there can be shifts in self-esteem levels partially influenced by physical development and social dynamics. For example, early maturing girls can become self-conscious about their bodies, and this may contribute to lower self-esteem.
Society and educational environments can also impact self-esteem. Studies indicate that boys may receive more praise, opportunities, and the freedom to break rules, while girls are frequently interrupted and held to stricter standards, leading to a competitive rather than collaborative environment. All of these factors play a role in the typical observation that by the middle school years, boys maintain or even increase their self-esteem, while girls often experience lower self-esteem.