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imaginary audience

the belief of an adolescent that others are constantly focusing attention on him or her, scrutinizing behaviors, appearance, and the like. The adolescent feels as though he or she is continually the central topic of interest to a group of spectators (i.e., an audience) when in fact this is not the case (i.e., an imaginary audience). It is an early adolescent construct reflective of acute self-consciousness and is considered an expression of adolescent egocentrism. [first described by U.S. developmental psychologist David Elkind (1931–  )]

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Psychology term of the day

December 25th 2024

aversive racism

aversive racism

a form of racial prejudice felt by individuals who outwardly endorse egalitarian attitudes and values but nonetheless experience negative emotions in the presence of members of certain racial groups, particularly in ambiguous circumstances. For example, if a White employer who supports equality nonetheless favors White candidates over Black candidates in job interviews when all the individuals’ qualifications for the position are unclear, then he or she is demonstrating aversive racism. See also modern racism.