Itsekeskittävyys

Itsekeskittävyys, often translated as egocentricity or self-centeredness, describes a cognitive or behavioral tendency to view the world primarily from one's own perspective. This means having difficulty understanding or acknowledging that others may have different viewpoints, beliefs, or feelings. It is not necessarily a moral failing but rather a characteristic of how an individual processes information and interacts with others.

In developmental psychology, egocentricity is considered a normal stage in a child's cognitive development. Young children often struggle to differentiate their own experiences from those of others, believing that everyone sees, thinks, and feels as they do. This typically diminishes as cognitive abilities mature and social interaction increases.

In adult contexts, however, excessive or persistent egocentricity can manifest as a lack of empathy, an inability to compromise, or a tendency to dominate conversations and situations. It can strain relationships and hinder effective collaboration. While related to narcissism, it is not synonymous. Narcissism involves a broader pattern of grandiosity and a need for admiration, whereas egocentricity is more specifically about the perspective-taking limitation. Recognizing and managing one's own egocentric tendencies can be a sign of emotional maturity and social intelligence.