According to David Elkind, what is a key characteristic of adolescent thinking?

A key characteristic of adolescent thinking, as described by David Elkind, is egocentrism. During adolescence, individuals often display egocentric thinking where they have difficulty in understanding others’ perspectives. This manifests in two notable forms: the imaginary audience and personal fable.

The imaginary audience involves adolescents believing that they are the center of others' attention, which can lead to heightened self-consciousness. They may feel as though everyone is scrutinizing their behavior or appearance. Meanwhile, the personal fable refers to the belief that their experiences and feelings are unique and that they are invulnerable to risks that affect others, leading to potentially risky behaviors.

These concepts illustrate how adolescents can become preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings, sometimes at the expense of recognizing and appreciating others' viewpoints. This egocentric outlook is a normal part of cognitive development during this stage, reflecting the transition from childhood to more abstract and complex thinking patterns that will eventually evolve into adulthood.