Towanda recently noticed that she has a small pimple on her forehead. She now refuses to go out in public, fearing that everyone will notice her pimple and laugh. Towanda's egocentric behavior is an example of a(n)

• A. personal fable.
• B. identity confusion.
• C. preconventional morality.
• D. imaginary audience.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key behavior Towanda is exhibiting: she believes that everyone will notice and judge her for a small pimple.
2. Understand the concept of 'imaginary audience': it refers to an adolescent's belief that others are constantly watching and evaluating them, often leading to heightened self-consciousness.
3. Differentiate 'imaginary audience' from other similar concepts: 'personal fable' involves a belief in one's uniqueness and invulnerability, while 'identity confusion' relates to uncertainty about one's identity, and 'preconventional morality' involves moral reasoning based on personal consequences.
4. Analyze Towanda's situation: her fear of being judged for a minor blemish aligns with the belief that others are focused on her appearance, which is characteristic of the 'imaginary audience'.
5. Conclude that Towanda's behavior is best explained by the concept of 'imaginary audience', as it captures her exaggerated perception of being the center of others' attention.