Final answer:
False: Girls who mature early do not necessarily have higher self-esteem than those who mature late. Early maturing girls may face challenges like self-consciousness and negative feelings about their developing bodies, increasing their risk of depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
False: Girls who mature early do not necessarily have higher self-esteem than those who mature late. While early maturing girls may experience greater attention and admiration from their peers, it can also lead to self-consciousness and negative feelings about their developing bodies. Research has shown that early maturing girls are at a higher risk for depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders, which can negatively impact their self-esteem. Late maturing girls may also feel self-conscious, but it does not necessarily mean they have lower self-esteem compared to early maturing girls. Each individual's experiences and social environment play a significant role in shaping their self-esteem during puberty.