1. The tendency to interpret reality exclusively in terms of one's own interests, needs, or perspective; inability or unwillingness to recognize viewpoints other than one's own.
Usage: Common in developmental psychology, especially in Piaget's theory of cognitive development in children.
2. In psychology, a cognitive limitation in young children characterized by difficulty understanding that others have different thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives.
Usage: Developmental psychology term; typically decreases as children mature.

Examples

• The child's egocentrism made it difficult for her to understand why her friend was upset, since she only considered her own feelings.
• His egocentrism prevented him from seeing the merit in his colleague's ideas.
• Piaget identified egocentrism as a normal stage in early childhood development.
• The politician's egocentrism led him to dismiss all criticism as jealousy.
• Overcoming egocentrism is an important part of developing empathy and social skills.
• Her egocentrism meant she assumed everyone shared her tastes and preferences.