Final answer:
The imaginary audience concept is linked to adolescents' heightened self-consciousness and sensitivity to public criticism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of the imaginary audience is a psychological phenomenon that helps explain an adolescent's self-consciousness and sensitivity to public criticism.
This is because during the teenage years, individuals believe that others are always watching and judging them, which can lead to a heightened awareness of how they are perceived by their peers.
As a result, adolescents may behave or react in ways under the impression that the spotlight is constantly on them, causing them to be overly concerned with their appearance and actions.