Which statement is true regarding self-concept in preschool and elementary children?

The statement that children's positive views of self decline in elementary years reflects a recognized trend in child development. During preschool years, children often possess an inflated sense of self-esteem and a generally positive self-concept. They typically have not yet developed the ability to critically evaluate their abilities in comparison to peers.

As they transition into elementary school, children become more aware of social comparisons and may begin to encounter challenges related to their self-esteem. They start to receive more feedback from teachers and peers, which can lead to a more critical assessment of their skills and abilities. This increasing awareness may result in a decline in their previously held positive views of themselves, as they navigate new social dynamics and academic expectations.

In contrast, the notion that children have consistently positive views of self until age 8 does not account for the developmental changes that begin to emerge as they engage more with their environment and peers. The idea that children doubt their competence during preschool years is more relevant to their later stages of development, as preschoolers often exhibit high self-esteem. Lastly, saying that children do not evaluate themselves until late elementary years overlooks the earlier stages where they do start to form self-assessments, albeit less nuanced than those seen in later years.