Tessa,a counselor who works with teenagers,meets with Olivia,who attempted suicide after her boyfriend broke up with her.Olivia says she feels that there is no choice but for her to end her life.Ronnie believes that she is destined to die young.This will make her boyfriend mourn for her forever.How would Elkind describe Olivia's view of the world?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Olivia's belief that she is destined to have a tragic ending and that her boyfriend will forever mourn for her indicates that she sees herself as the central character in a dramatic story - a common characteristic of the personal fable. The personal fable is a belief commonly held by adolescents that they are somehow special, unique, and invincible, making them immune to the dangers that others face. Olivia's belief in her tragic destiny and the impact it will have on her boyfriend is an example of this kind of thinking.

Tessa,a Counselor Who Works with Teenagers,meets with Olivia,who Attempted Suicide