American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

During early adolescence, individuals undergo significant physical, emotional, and social changes, which often lead to heightened self-consciousness and sensitivity regarding their appearances. This stage is characterized by the onset of puberty, where physical changes may not align with peers, leading to a decrease in self-esteem. Adolescents become increasingly aware of societal standards for beauty and attractiveness, which can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy if they perceive themselves as not meeting those standards.

Peer interactions also intensify during this period, and the desire for acceptance can make shortcomings in appearance feel more pronounced. As social comparison becomes a common cognitive process, adolescents may struggle with their self-image, leading to an overarching vulnerability regarding self-esteem. This is particularly relevant as they navigate shifting relationships and explore their identities, often causing fluctuations in how they view themselves in relation to others.

Infancy, preschool, and elementary school age stages focus more on foundational development and cognitive skills, with self-esteem not yet being significantly tied to physical appearance or societal standards. Therefore, early adolescence stands out as the correct answer, as it is the stage where concerns about appearance begin to play a crucial role in self-esteem development.