Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Self-centered belief refers to the cognitive bias in which adolescents perceive themselves as unique and invulnerable, leading to an exaggerated sense of personal uniqueness and a feeling of being protected from harm.
Related terms
Illusion of Invulnerability: This term describes the tendency for individuals, especially adolescents, to believe that they are less likely to experience harm or negative events compared to others.
It refers to the belief that one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences are completely unique and exceptional, making them different from everyone else.
Optimistic Bias: This term represents the inclination for individuals, including adolescents, to believe that they are less likely to experience negative events or more likely to experience positive events compared to others.