________________________ is the heightened self-consciousness of adolescents,which is reflected in the belief that others are as interested in them as the adolescents are in themselves.

A) Adolescent egocentrism
B) Transitivity
C) Horizontal décalage
D) Hypothetical-deductive reasoning

Adolescent egocentrism is characterized by the belief that one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences are unique and more significant than those of others. This leads to the perception that others are constantly paying attention to and evaluating them, which can result in self-consciousness and a heightened sense of self-importance. Transitivity refers to the ability to logically compare relationships between different objects or ideas. Horizontal décalage is a concept in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, referring to the uneven development of cognitive abilities within a stage. Hypothetical-deductive reasoning is the ability to think systematically and logically about hypothetical situations.