Tim Is Doing Poorly in Math

Multiple Choice

Tim is doing poorly in math.Although he knows he's not a very good math student,it does not concern him greatly.He spends most of his time after school playing hockey,a sport at which he excels.Tim's 5th grade math teacher tries to motivate him to stay after school for tutoring,but Tim doesn't want to miss hockey practice.Furthermore,he reasons,two of his teammates have even lower marks in math than he does.Which process seems to enhance or protect Tim's self-esteem?

A) Tim's self-criticism
B) Tim's self-monitoring of his performance
C) Tim's perspective-taking skills
D) Tim's downward social comparison