Final answer:
The term for adolescent heightened self-consciousness is part of their psychosocial development, specifically during the stage of identity versus role confusion. Adolescents grapple with developing a personal identity, which greatly impacts their self-perception and future direction. Successful navigation of this stage leads to a stronger sense of self and better psychological outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adolescent Self-Consciousness
The overall term for an adolescent's heightened self-consciousness is often described as part of their psychosocial development during the stage of identity versus role confusion. This developmental stage, which takes place from ages 12-18, involves teenagers intensely exploring questions like "Who am I?" and "What do I want to do with my life?" As adolescents navigate through these questions, they experience a period where their sense of self is highly foregrounded, often leading them to feel particularly sensitive about how they are perceived by others, especially by peers.
During this time, the development of a personal identity becomes crucial as adolescents make conscious or unconscious decisions about their future and align with or against parental and social expectations. Those who are able to form a strong sense of identity tend to have better outcomes in terms of self-esteem and independence, while those who struggle with identity issues may face role confusion and an unclear vision of their future.
Puberty can exacerbate self-conscious feelings due to physical changes, and adolescents may undergo mood swings, increased independence, and a desire for peer acceptance. Adolescents who develop a positive self-concept during this time are generally more resilient and adaptable in facing the challenges of this critical developmental period.