Egocentrism in Adolescence: Definition & How To Manage It

Adolescence is a rollercoaster of thrilling and challenging changes for ages 11 to 16. It’s a time when teenagers start looking at the world through a new lens – often, a lens that is focused sharply on themselves.

The term for this stage is called ‘egocentrism in adolescence‘, a common and normal part of growing up, but it can be perplexing and even frustrating for parents and educators.

Let’s explore what this means and how we can unfold these walls of our children together.

What is Egocentrism in Adolescence?

Egocentrism in adolescence is a psychological phase where teenagers tend to become more self-focused, typically occurring between the ages of 11 and 16. They believe their thoughts, feelings, and experiences are unique and not easily understood by others. It’s as if they’re standing in front of a mirror that only reflects their own perspectives.

This phenomenon, first described by psychologist David Elkind in the 1960s, also includes the belief that everyone else is as preoccupied with them as they are with themselves. It’s like they imagine an imaginary audience, constantly observing and judging their actions.

It reflects the emergence of abstract thinking and self-awareness, identifying formation and moral reasoning. It also makes teenagers separate themselves from their parents and establish their own values and goals.

Common Causes of Egocentrism in Adolescence

Several intertwined elements shape adolescent egocentrism, and it mainly happens due to a mix of changes happening in their bodies and brains.

• Brain Development: The teenage brain is in the midst of significant changes, especially in the prefrontal cortex – the part that helps with planning, decision-making, and understanding other people’s points of view – which is still under construction. It won’t be fully developed until their early twenties. This is why teens might struggle with managing their emotions or realizing the full impact of their actions.
• Hormonal Changes: Puberty brings a flood of hormones like testosterone and estrogen, which can really stir things up. These hormones can change how teens feel, behave, and view themselves. They can make emotions feel more intense, increase the need to be accepted, and form close bonds with others.
• Social Environment: Adolescents are exposed to various influences such as peers, media, and culture. These factors can impact their self-esteem, values, and expectations. Additionally, challenges like peer pressure, academic stress, bullying, and family conflicts can increase anxiety and insecurity among teenagers.

Understanding these underlying causes can help parents and educators support adolescents as they journey through this self-focused development phase.

How Egocentrism in Adolescence Impacts Teenage Behaviour

To grasp the effects of egocentrism on teenage behaviour in adolescence, we must delve into the “how” of this unique developmental phase. Adolescent egocentrism, characterised by heightened self-focus, has both positive and negative repercussions on teenage behaviour.

Positive Impacts

• Stimulated Creativity and Curiosity: Adolescents often display heightened creativity and curiosity during this phase. Their egocentrism encourages them to explore new ideas, interests, and possibilities. As a result, they may develop a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world and themselves.
• Nurtured Self-Expression and Identity: Egocentrism can also positively enhance self-expression and identity development. Teens experiment with various roles, styles, and opinions, helping them discover their strengths, passions, and values. Such self-discovery allows them to assert their individuality and autonomy.
• Enhanced Moral Reasoning and Empathy: Surprisingly, adolescent egocentrism can lead to improved moral reasoning and empathy. Teens begin to reflect on ethical and social issues, fostering a sense of justice, responsibility, and respect for diversity and human rights.

Negative Impacts

• Excessive Self-Consciousness and Insecurity: During adolescence, teens typically show increased creativity and curiosity, where their self-focus prompts them to delve into fresh concepts, hobbies, and potential paths. Consequently, they often develop a deeper fascination with the world around them and a greater appreciation for their own unique perspectives and abilities.
• Challenges in Communication and Relationships: Egocentrism may impair communication and relationships. They may find it challenging to understand and respect others’ perspectives and feelings, leading to conflicts, misunderstandings, and isolation in their interactions with peers, parents, and teachers.
• Engagement in Risky Behaviours: Egocentrism can lead teenagers to engage in risky and harmful behaviours. They may underestimate risks and overestimate their abilities, seeking thrills, novelty, and peer approval while disregarding societal norms and rules.

Such insight into the diverse effects of adolescent egocentrism empowers parents, educators, and caregivers with a deeper understanding. It enables them to guide adolescents through this phase while emphasising the value of providing support and encouragement.

How do Parents Address and Manage Egocentrism in Adolescence?

Parenting during the tween and teen years can be challenging, even for experienced caregivers. It’s a time when uncertainties can run high, and maintaining a strong connection with your teenager becomes risk-taking behaviour.

Here, we’ll share some approaches to help you stay calm and connected during this potentially tricky phase.

• Cultivate empathy through shared experiences
• Foster connections by embracing shared interests
• Open lines of communication with your teens
• Offer Support to help your child grow with love and encouragement

Let’s delve deeper into these.

Cultivate empathy through shared experiences

Close your eyes and reflect on your own adolescence. Recall the emotions you experienced during the changes in your body, your relationships with parents and friends, and the overall sense of self-consciousness.

While your teenage years might have been different, there are likely shared feelings of insecurity. Drawing on your own trials and tribulations can help you empathise with your children’s struggles.

Foster connections by embracing shared interests

While connecting with your teenagers may seem challenging, find ways to bond whenever possible.

For a daughter who enjoys stand-up comedy, taking her to a local comedy club or watching a stand-up special on TV together can be a fun and engaging way to bond. It’s an opportunity to share laughter and enjoy a shared interest.

Similarly, for a son fascinated by astronomy, planning a trip to the planetarium or spending an evening stargazing can be enlightening and a chance to connect. Building connections around shared interests or activities can be invaluable during the adolescent egocentrism phase.

Open lines of communication with your teens

Start to have conversations that matter to your children as they grow, such as puberty, peer pressure, relationships, and skincare usage. Your tweens and teens will form a solid conversational foundation they can rely on as they mature.

Offer Support to help your child grow with love and encouragement

Every child needs consistent support and unconditional love to grow into a well-rounded adult. While not being on the same page may sometimes be the case, parents still need to ensure their children feel supported and loved, regardless of their decision.

Once a child is recognised and applauded for their strengths and celebrated for their achievements, they tend to maintain a focus on the positive aspects of growth.

How do Educators Address and Manage Egocentrism in Adolescence?

Teachers uniquely shape young minds and influence children’s academic and social development, unlike parents. Here are some practical strategies educators utilise:

• Create an inclusive learning environment
• Provide engaging learning opportunities
• Foster critical thinking
• Instill social and emotional skills
• Collaborate with parents and professionals

Let’s shed light on these practical ways.

1. Create an Inclusive Learning Environment

When educators prioritise the creation of a classroom where adolescents feel safe and valued, it nurtures an atmosphere that encourages collaboration, mutual respect, and a sense of belonging among students.

2. Provide Engaging Learning Opportunities

Educators who offer stimulating learning experiences that resonate with adolescents’ interests, talents, and passions have a tendency to connect lessons to real-world scenarios, which spark curiosity and active participation.

3. Foster Critical Thinking

Students will likely learn critical thinking via school engagement; therefore, educators are the ones who expose adolescents to diverse perspectives, sources, and evidence. They encourage students to critically question, analyse, and evaluate information and arguments.

Educators help students broaden their horizons by nurturing critical thinking skills and developing empathy for others.

Find out more about critical thinking activities for kids.

4. Instill Social and Emotional Skills

Educators emphasise the significance of social and emotional skills, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, communication, and conflict resolution. They guide students in applying these skills across various contexts and provide support for managing emotions and overcoming challenges.

5. Collaborate with Parents and Professionals

Educators maintain close partnerships with parents, counsellors, psychologists, and social workers to ensure adolescents’ holistic development and well-being. They engage in open and regular communication with parents, sharing observations, addressing concerns, and offering recommendations regarding their students.

These strategies empower educators to address and manage adolescent egocentrism effectively while fostering a positive and enriching educational experience.

FAQs about Egocentrism in Adolescence

Most parents and educators are curious about adolescent egocentrism and its implications. Therefore, let’s explore some common questions and provide clear answers to deepen your understanding:

Can egocentrism in adolescence predict future behavioural patterns?

It’s not set in stone, but patterns formed during adolescence can sometimes linger into adulthood. Usually, it is considered a phase that shapes but doesn’t define a person’s future.

What are effective ways for teachers to address egocentrism in the classroom?

Group activities, constructive feedback, and addressing misconceptions head-on can help. It’s about guiding students to see beyond themselves.

How can teenagers themselves recognise and manage their egocentric tendencies?

Teens can learn a lot by simply being open to feedback, practising self-regulation, and getting involved in activities that focus on others’ well-being.

Handling Egocentrism in Adolescence

Egocentrism in adolescence is a complex but normal part of growing up. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone interested in developing young minds, you can assist them in recognising and managing this challenging phase.

Shaping a generation of self-aware and thoughtful adults to approach this journey as a shared experience between teenagers and those around them. Start a meaningful dialogue with your teenager, ask about their feelings and thoughts, and listen attentively to understand their perspective. Continue this process by consistently offering support and guidance during these transformative years, which empower teenagers to thrive.

At UNIS Hanoi, we believe in the power of education to transform lives, including supporting teenagers through the ups and downs of adolescence.