Think About Thinking!

Do you feel as though you know people who just don't seem to "get it?" Have you noticed that these people often make irrational decisions, have impulsive thoughts, or use black and white thinking? Here is a little information on cognitive development which you may find interesting and may be beneficial in some of your adult relationships as well.

Cognitive development refers to the development of the ability to think abstractly and reason. This generally occurs during adolescence. While there are phases of cognitive development occuring from childhood to early adulthood, ideally- the sooner the better.

If you are interested in learning more about early development, check out Erik Erikson's theory of development: http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson.htm

There is a lot of information out there on adolescent cognitive development. Here are a few of the basic points regarding development of the more complex thinking processes.

Adolescence marks the beginning development of more complex thinking processes (also called formal logical operations) including abstract thinking (thinking about possibilities), the ability to reason from known principles (form own new ideas or questions), the ability to consider many points of view according to varying criteria (compare or debate ideas or opinions), and the ability to think about the process of thinking.
 
What encourages healthy cognitive development during adolescence?

The following suggestions will help to encourage positive and healthy cognitive development in the adolescent. In some cases, the following suggestions may help in communiating with those you initially thought of when reading the first paragraph.

• Include adolescents in discussions about a variety of topics, issues, and current events.
• Encourage adolescents to share ideas and thoughts with you.
• Encourage adolescents to think independently and develop their own ideas.
• Assist adolescents in setting their own goals.
• Stimulate adolescents to think about possibilities of the future.
• Compliment and praise adolescents for well thought out decisions.
• Assist adolescents in re-evaluating poorly made decisions for themselves.

The information is provided for educational purposes. Please understand that this information is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. These are just a few thoughts on cognitive development, if you would like more information, please visit http://www.therapeuticbenefits.com/ for resources, low cost therapy in Santa Barbara, and to schedule a free phone consultation.