a child who acquires a reputation for being a trouble maker?

A usually has a high level of self-esteem

B can easily overcome it

C may experience increasing difficulty in forming friendships

D also exhibits a strong degree of reactive aggression

How does your book define "trouble maker?"

What is your answer to this question?

You're probably right -- but this is certainly an ill-defined question.

Actually, the biggest trouble maker I ever taught had a lot of friends.

I think D would fit him best.

The correct answer is C. A child who acquires a reputation for being a troublemaker may experience increasing difficulty in forming friendships. However, to understand how this answer is derived, let's break down the question and carefully consider each option.

Option A states that the child usually has a high level of self-esteem. While it is possible for a troublemaking child to have high self-esteem, it is not a defining characteristic of such behavior. Moreover, the question does not provide enough information to determine the child's self-esteem level, so we cannot definitively choose this option.

Option B suggests that the child can easily overcome their reputation as a troublemaker. However, this is unlikely. Changing one's reputation requires consistent efforts, self-awareness, and personal growth, which may not be an easy task for the child. Therefore, option B is not the correct answer.

Option D mentions that the child also exhibits a strong degree of reactive aggression. This option is relevant to the question as reactive aggression, which is characterized by impulsive and hostile responses, can contribute to the child's troublemaking behavior. While this may be an associated trait, it does not directly answer the question about the difficulty in forming friendships.

Option C correctly explains that a child who acquires a reputation for being a troublemaker may experience increasing difficulty in forming friendships. This is because other children may avoid or perceive the troublemaker as a negative influence, leading to social isolation or rejection. Hence, option C appropriately addresses the consequence that is commonly observed in such situations.

In summary, the correct answer is C. A child who acquires a reputation for being a troublemaker may experience increasing difficulty in forming friendships.