What term describes adolescents' belief that they are the focus of everyone else's attention and concern?

The term that describes adolescents' belief that they are the focus of everyone else's attention and concern is the imaginary audience. This concept is a key aspect of adolescent egocentrism, where young individuals often feel as though they are continuously being observed and evaluated by others. This heightened self-consciousness can lead to feelings of vulnerability and anxiety, as adolescents may believe that their actions and appearance are under constant scrutiny.

As they navigate their social environments, this imagined sense of audience can impact their behavior and self-perception, often amplifying their emotional responses to social situations. Awareness of this phenomenon is important for understanding adolescent development and the unique challenges that come with this stage of life.