Once of the explanations give for this decline is the gender-specific socialization that girls receive. Behaviors associated with self-efficacy, competitiveness, risk taking and independence are not generally encouraged in girls. Behaviors that are generally fostered in girls include dependence, cooperation, conformity, and nurturing. One researcher views the elimination of independent behaviors in girls as being the most damaging aspect of their socialization. Rather than delighting in their emerging skills, talents, and capacities, girls tend to mask or hide them from others