Abstract

This study is aiming to investigate the validity of the theoretical perspectives that heightened egocentism during the early adolescence has been accounted for by the formal operational thought and the perceived parental child-rearing practices. Three measurement instruments were administerated to the four different age groups both sexes of adolescents from the age of 12 to 18, and those are a modified version of the classroom Test of Formal Operations, a revision of the Adolescent Egocentrism-Sociocentrism, and the Diagnostic Scale for Family Atmosphere. Data analysis revealed that formal operation did not enhance adolescent egocentrism significantly, while the patterns of the perceived parents-adolescent relationships were predictive determinants of adolescent egocentrism. Contrary to the previous theoretical assumptions, 14 and 16 year old adolescents who are at the level of transitional operations were higher than those at the level of formal operation in adolescent egocentrism. In addition, perceived paternal receptiveness and maternal autonomy were associated with diminished egocentrism for boys, while perceived paternal love, for girls.