Final answer:
The personal fable is a psychological concept related to adolescent egocentrism, where young people believe they are unique and invulnerable to risks, which can lead to increased risk-taking behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term personal fable is associated with the field of psychology and refers to a form of adolescent egocentrism. Adolescents sometimes believe that they are unique and invincible, which is a particular type of developmental cognitive bias. This belief in their own uniqueness can lead to the assumption that no one else can understand their feelings and experiences, hence why they may view themselves as the central figure in their own narrative. Additionally, the personal fable is connected to the elevated risk-taking behaviors often seen during adolescence, as young people who endorse this belief may feel certain they will not be harmed by the activities that threaten others.
This cognitive distortion is part of a larger theoretical framework proposed by David Elkind, which also includes the related concept of the imaginary audience—the idea that adolescents feel as though they are constantly being watched and judged by others.