Toward an integrated theory of adolescent ego development: the "new look" at adolescent egocentrism.

The theoretical and empirical status of the traditional theory of adolescent egocentrism is examined and found wanting. An alternative theory is reviewed that reconceptualizes the ideational patterns of "egocentrism" as adaptational and coping functions of ego development, avoids anomalies found in the traditional theory, and promises a progressive research program.