David is very stressed over college applications. He thinks that if he fails to get into the University of Wisconsin his life is over. When his parents try to talk to him about other options, he yells at them and tells them that they just cannot understand. What aspect of adolescent thinking is David experiencing?
A) imaginary audience
B) personal fable
C) metacognition
D) hypothetical-deductive reasoning

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

David is experiencing the personal fable, which is the belief that one is unique, invincible, and no one else can understand their experiences or emotions. He feels that the University of Wisconsin is the only option for him and that failure to get in would ruin his life, which are exaggerated and unrealistic thoughts commonly associated with the personal fable.

David Is Very Stressed Over College Applications