What characteristic did a teen exhibit when they believed everyone was observing them?

The characteristic exhibited by the teen when they believed everyone was observing them aligns with the concept of egocentrism that is commonly associated with adolescence. During this developmental stage, individuals often find themselves at the center of their own universe, leading them to think that others are as focused on them as they are on themselves. This heightened self-consciousness can manifest as the belief that they are under constant scrutiny, causing them to feel excessively concerned about how they are perceived by others.

Adolescents may also engage in imaginary audience thinking, where they feel that their actions, choices, and appearance are of utmost interest to others, even when this is not the case. This is a typical part of their cognitive development and reflects their emerging sense of identity and social dynamics. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for juvenile probation officers, as it can inform how they interact with and support adolescents who may struggle with self-image and social anxiety.