health
How Puberty Kills Girls’ Confidence
In their tween and teenage years, girls become dramatically less self-assured—a feeling that often lasts through adulthood.
TL;DR
- Girls' confidence plummets by 30% between ages 8 and 14, a drop not seen in boys.
- Factors contributing to this decline include rumination, perfectionism, and social media pressures.
- Societal expectations and a focus on people-pleasing can hinder risk-taking, essential for confidence.
- Activities promoting risk-taking and resilience, such as sports, debate, or public speaking, can help girls build confidence.
- The confidence gap established in adolescence often leads to lower self-assurance and aspirations in adulthood.