What concept, according to David Elkind, describes an adolescent's belief that they are the center of attention?

The concept that describes an adolescent's belief that they are the center of attention, according to David Elkind, is the imaginary audience. This phenomenon occurs during adolescence when individuals believe that others are constantly observing and scrutinizing their behavior, thoughts, and appearance. Adolescents often feel as though they are on stage, leading them to be overly self-conscious and concerned about how they are perceived by others.

The imaginary audience is a part of the broader developmental stage characterized by the heightened self-awareness and introspection that comes with adolescence. This theory helps explain why teens might engage in behaviors aimed at impressing their peers or may feel anxious in social situations, convinced that everyone is watching them.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it highlights the developmental changes in self-perception and social cognition during adolescence, illustrating how these changes can influence behavior and emotional responses in social contexts.