Which term refers to the fear of being judged negatively by others, often experienced by adolescents?

The term that refers to the fear of being judged negatively by others, particularly common among adolescents, is the "Imaginary Audience Fallacy." This concept describes a developmental phenomenon where adolescents believe that others are as attentive to their behavior and appearance as they are themselves. This heightened self-consciousness can lead to increased feelings of vulnerability and anxiety about social acceptance, making them more sensitive to what they perceive as judgment from peers.

In contrast, anxiety disorders encompass a broad range of mental health conditions characterized by excessive worry and fear, but it does not specifically capture the unique phenomenon of the imaginary audience that many adolescents experience. Gender bias and gender role pertain to social and cultural constructs regarding expectations and stereotypes associated with gender, which is unrelated to the specific fear of judgment discussed in the context of adolescence.