What is the term for the belief that one is the center of the universe?

The term that describes the belief that one is the center of the universe is egocentrism. This concept often emerges in developmental psychology, particularly in the context of children's cognitive growth. Children, especially in early stages of development, tend to view the world primarily from their own perspectives, having difficulty understanding viewpoints or feelings of others. This self-centric viewpoint is a normal aspect of cognitive development.

As individuals grow older, they typically begin to acquire more empathetic and social perspectives, moving beyond egocentrism. The understanding of egocentrism has applications in various areas of psychology, including moral development and social interactions, illustrating how individuals transition to more complex ways of understanding the world around them and their place within it.

The other terms provided, such as altruism and self-awareness, refer to different concepts. Altruism involves selfless concern for the well-being of others, while self-awareness pertains to the recognition of oneself as an individual separate from the environment and others, which is a concept developed later in cognitive and social development.