A normal cognitive developmental stage of young people is adolescent egocentrism. Adolescent egocentrism is characterized by a heightened sense of self-centeredness and self-consciousness (egocentric means “self at the center”). It is a developmental phase they journey through on the way to adulthood.
Two false conclusions of adolescent egocentrism are (1) the imaginary audience and (2) personal fable. The imaginary audience is the belief that they are always on center stage, with all eyes on them, always assuming that everyone is intensely interested in them. As a result, the young person can become very self-conscious about how they look, what they are wearing, how they are being perceived, etc.
Personal fable is the false notion of uniqueness and invincibility. Personal fable contributes to the complaint that no one else could really understand them and their circumstances. It also factors in to a sense of invincibility, leading to high-risk activities. This sense of invincibility is likely involved in reckless behavior in driving a car, using drugs or alcohol, and engaging in inappropriate sexual interaction. Because they falsely believe in their own invincibility, they are convinced that they will not suffer the consequences of dangerous behavior. They will somehow not experience the terrible outcomes that happen to other people.
Simply stated, teenagers or young adults often believe that “everybody is watching me” (imaginary audience) and “it will never happen to me” (personal fable).
We’re now at the point, noted in the title, of the unfinished thoughts. I have a sense there are spiritual parallels to adolescent egocentrism, specifically the manifestations of imaginary audience and personal fable. I am inclined to believe that there are spiritual equivalents or expressions of these developmental processes. As you reflect on your own spiritual journey and maturation, can you think of ways you experienced the false beliefs of imaginary audience or personal fable?
I hope you can, because I’m going to leave this article unfinished for now, as I await your input. Next week’s article will be titled “Adolescent egocentric Christians…further thoughts.” Write me this week () and share some of your ideas about the spiritual application of these false perceptions. Thanks for your help!
I must say that I’m a little embarrassed to not be able to finish the article by myself. I know everyone is watching me, making harsh judgments, talking to others about me. And I’m particularly frustrated at this point, because I just knew this would never happen to me. No one else could understand how this feels. I feel so alone. No one gets me.
Dennis Lynn
Redwood Church
