Questions: QUESTION 6 Which of the following terms explains why sixteen-year-olds tend to believe that they are the focus of others thinking? a. Secular growth b. Foreclosure c. Egocentrism d. Learned helplessness

The answer is C: Egocentrism.

Explanation for each option:

a. Secular growth: This term typically refers to long-term trends in growth patterns, such as increases in average height over generations, and is not related to cognitive or psychological development in adolescents.

b. Foreclosure: In the context of developmental psychology, foreclosure is a term used in identity formation, where an individual prematurely commits to an identity without exploring other options. It does not relate to the belief that one is the focus of others' thinking.

c. Egocentrism: This is the correct answer. In developmental psychology, particularly in the context of adolescence, egocentrism refers to the tendency of teenagers to believe that they are the center of attention and that others are as focused on them as they are on themselves. This is often seen in the form of the "imaginary audience," where adolescents feel that everyone is watching and judging them.

d. Learned helplessness: This term describes a condition in which a person suffers from a sense of powerlessness, arising from a traumatic event or persistent failure to succeed. It is not related to the belief that one is the focus of others' thinking.