What term describes when a child only considers their own needs and not others'?

The concept of egocentric behavior describes a phase in child development where a child has difficulty understanding or considering perspectives other than their own. This term is primarily associated with developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, who observed that during the preoperational stage of cognitive development, children exhibit egocentrism. They see the world from their own viewpoint and struggle to recognize or empathize with the feelings and needs of others.

This behavior is characterized by an inability to take another person's perspective, which manifests in various ways. For example, a child may block their own view of a game while playing and assume that others cannot see because they, themselves, are not in the position to see it. This self-focused way of thinking is typical in early childhood, indicating that egocentrism is a normal part of development as children learn to navigate social relationships and understand that others have thoughts and feelings that may differ from their own.

Understanding egocentric behavior is crucial as it highlights a stage in children's social and cognitive development where they are learning about interpersonal relationships and empathy. As children grow older, they gradually overcome this egocentrism, developing a more nuanced understanding of others and their perspectives, which is vital for effective social interaction.