{"id":13704,"date":"2012-08-31T14:49:25","date_gmt":"2012-08-31T21:49:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?page_id=13704"},"modified":"2019-07-30T13:57:27","modified_gmt":"2019-07-30T20:57:27","slug":"abstract-thinking","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/abstract-thinking\/","title":{"rendered":"Abstract Thinking"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-40360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/fibonacci-spiral-staircase-featured-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"Staircase photographed to look like a Fibonacci spiral\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/fibonacci-spiral-staircase-featured-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/fibonacci-spiral-staircase-featured-800x535.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/fibonacci-spiral-staircase-featured.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/strong><\/span><strong>Abstract thinking<\/strong> is the ability to think about objects, principles, and ideas that are not physically present. It is related to symbolic thinking, which uses the substitution of a symbol for an object or idea.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is Abstract Thinking?<\/h2>\n<p>A variety of everyday behaviors constitute abstract thinking. These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Using metaphors and analogies<\/li>\n<li>Understanding relationships between verbal and nonverbal ideas<\/li>\n<li>Spatial reasoning and mentally manipulating and rotating objects<\/li>\n<li>Complex reasoning, such as using critical thinking, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/scientific-method\">scientific method<\/a>, and other approaches to reasoning through problems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Abstract thinking makes it possible for people to exercise creativity. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/creativity\">Creativity<\/a>, in turn, is a useful survival mechanism\u2060\u2014it allows us to develop tools and new ideas that improve the quality of human life.<\/p>\n<h2>Abstract Thinking in Psychology: How Does It Develop?<\/h2>\n<p>Developmental psychologist <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/famous-psychologists\/jean-piaget.html\">Jean Piaget<\/a> argued that children develop abstract reasoning skills as part of their last stage of development, known as the formal operational stage. This stage occurs between the ages of 11 and 16. However, the beginnings of abstract reasoning may be present earlier, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\/giftedness\">gifted<\/a> children frequently develop abstract reasoning at an earlier age.<\/p>\n<p>Some psychologists have argued the development of abstract reasoning is not a natural developmental stage. Rather, it is the product of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/culture\">culture<\/a>, experience, and teaching.<\/p>\n<p>Children\u2019s stories frequently operate on two levels of reasoning: abstract and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/concrete-thinking\">concrete<\/a>. The concrete story, for example, might tell of a princess who married Prince Charming, while the abstract version of the story tells of the importance of virtue and working hard. While young children are often incapable of complex abstract reasoning, they frequently recognize the underlying lessons of these stories, indicating some degree of abstract reasoning skills.<\/p>\n<h2>Abstract vs. Concrete Thinking<\/h2>\n<p>Concrete thinking is the opposite of abstract thinking. While abstract thinking is centered around ideas, symbols, and the intangible, concrete thinking focuses on what can be perceived through the five senses: smell, sight, sound, taste, and touch. The vast majority of people use a combination of concrete and abstract thinking to function in daily life, although some people may favor one mode over the other.<\/p>\n<p>A study published in <em>Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience<\/em> found abstract thinking was tied to parts of the brain occupied with vision. Concrete thinking, on the other hand. activated parts of the brain that focus on actions taken to complete a goal.<\/p>\n<p>Other research found that abstract thinkers are more likely than concrete thinkers to take risks. This may be partly due to the idea that concrete thinkers, more concerned with \u201chow\u201d to perform an action rather than \u201cwhy,\u201d might be dissuaded from starting a risky task because they\u2019re more focused on the practical effort involved with the task, while the abstract thinker might be more occupied with considering the pros and cons of the risk.<\/p>\n<h2>Abstract Reasoning and Intelligence<\/h2>\n<p>Abstract reasoning is a component of most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/intelligence\">intelligence<\/a> tests. Skills such as mental object rotation, mathematics, higher-level language usage, and the application of concepts to particulars all require abstract reasoning skills. Abstract thinking skills are associated with high levels of intelligence. And since abstract thinking is associated with creativity, it may often be found in gifted individuals who are innovators.<\/p>\n<p>Learning disabilities can inhibit the development of abstract reasoning skills. People with severe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\/intellectual-disabilities\">intellectual disabilities<\/a> may never develop abstract reasoning skills and may take abstract concepts such as metaphors and analogies literally. Since abstract reasoning is closely connected to the ability to solve problems, individuals with severely inhibited abstract thinking ability may need assistance with day-to-day life.<\/p>\n<h2>Mental Health and Abstract Thinking<\/h2>\n<p>Some mental health conditions can negatively impact an individual\u2019s ability to think abstractly. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\/schizophrenia\">schizophrenia<\/a> has been found to impair abstract thinking ability in those it affects. Some other conditions that may impair abstract thinking include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\/aspergers-autism\">Autism<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\/learning-difficulties\">Learning disabilities<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/dementia\">Dementia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\/traumatic-brain-injury\">Traumatic brain injury (TBI)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some research has connected the ability to think abstractly with a stronger sense of self-control. This means that when people were given a reason to do or not to do something, it was easier for them to adhere to that rule than if they were simply told how to follow the rule.<\/p>\n<p>A study published in the <em>Journal of Experimental Social Psychology<\/em> found an interesting link between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/learn-about-therapy\/issues\/power\">power<\/a> and abstract thought. A person\u2019s conception of how much power they have may more strongly influence their behavior than the actual amount of power they have. Because of this, researchers posited that an increased capacity for abstract thought would increase an individual\u2019s sense of personal power, creating a positive feedback loop in which their beliefs influence their behavior, and their behavior shapes their personal outcomes.<\/p>\n<h2>Abstract Thinking Exercises<\/h2>\n<p>In many cases, it is possible to improve your abstract reasoning skills. Working on your abstract reasoning skills may help you improve your ability to solve problems, understand and communicate complex ideas, and enjoy creative pursuits.<\/p>\n<p>One way to exercise your abstract reasoning skills is to practice solving puzzles, optical illusions, and other \u201cbrain teasers.\u201d These thinking exercises allow individuals to practice viewing information from different perspectives and angles. As they may help open a person\u2019s mind to different possibilities through the problem-solving process, puzzles can be an engaging way for both young people and adults to get better at abstract thinking.<\/p>\n<p>Strengthening improvisation skills may also help increase an individual\u2019s creativity and abstract thinking skills. Tasks that require the person to rely mostly on their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/psychpedia\/imagination\">imagination<\/a> may help strengthen their ability to think abstractly over time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>References:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Culpin, B. (2018, October 16). \u2018Abstract thought\u2019 &#8211; How is it significant and how does it define the basis for modern humanity? Retrieved from https:\/\/medium.com\/@bc805\/abstract-thought-how-is-it-significant-and-how-does-it-define-the-basis-for-modern-humanity-a98a5b92fb9f<\/li>\n<li>Dementia: What are the common signs? (2003, March 1). <em>American Family Physician, 67<\/em>(5), 1,051-1,052. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/afp\/2003\/0301\/p1051.html<\/li>\n<li>De Vries, E. (2014). Improvisation as a tool to develop creativity mini-workshop divergent thinking. <em>IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE) Proceedings<\/em>. doi: 10.1109\/FIE.2014.7044132<\/li>\n<li>Gilead, M., Liberman, N., &amp; Maril, A. (2013, May 18). From mind to matter: Neural correlates of abstract and concrete mindsets. <em>Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 9<\/em>(5), 638-645. doi: 10.1093\/scan\/nst031<\/li>\n<li>Harwood, R., Miller, S. A., &amp; Vasta, R. (2008). <em>Child psychology: Development in a changing society.<\/em> Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley &amp; Sons.<\/li>\n<li>Lermer, E., Streicher, B., Sachs, R., Raue, M., &amp; Frey, D. (2016, August 26). The effect of abstract and concrete thinking on risk-taking behavior in women and men. <em>SAGE Open, 6<\/em>(3). Retrieved from https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/full\/10.1177\/2158244016666127<\/li>\n<li>Logsdon, A. (2019, June 17). Why children need to use abstract reasoning in school. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.verywellfamily.com\/what-is-abstract-reasoning-2162162<\/li>\n<li>Marintcheva, B. (2013, May 6). Looking for the forest and the trees : Exercises to provoke abstract thinking. <em>Journal of Microbiology &amp; Biology Education, 14<\/em>(1), 127-128. doi: 10.1128\/jmbe.v14i1.535<\/li>\n<li>Minshew, N., Meyer, J., &amp; Goldstein, G. (2002). Abstract reasoning in autism: A dissociation between concept formation and concept identification.<em> Neuropsychology, 16<\/em>(3), 327-334. doi: 10.1037\/\/0894-4105.16.3.327<\/li>\n<li>Oh, J., Chun, J., Lee, J. S., &amp; Kim, J. (2014). Relationship between abstract thinking and eye gaze pattern in patients with schizophrenia. <em>Behavioral and Brain Functions, 10<\/em>(13). doi: 10.1186\/1744-9081-10-13<\/li>\n<li>Renzulli, J. S. (2003). <em>The international handbook on innovation<\/em>. Elsevier<\/li>\n<li>Scherzer, B. P., Charbonneau, S., Solomon, C. R., &amp; Lepore, F. (1993). Abstract thinking following severe traumatic brain injury. <em>Brain Injury, 7<\/em>(5), 411-423. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/8401483<\/li>\n<li>Smith, P. K., Wigboldus, D., &amp; Dijksterhuis, A. (2008). Abstract thinking increases one\u2019s sense of power. <em>Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 44<\/em>(2), 378-385. doi: 10.1016\/j.jesp.2006.12.005<\/li>\n<li>Ylvisaker, M., Hibbard, M., &amp; Feeney, T. (n.d.). Tutorial: Concrete vs. abstract thinking. Retrieved from http:\/\/www.projectlearnet.org\/tutorials\/concrete_vs_abstract_thinking.html<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Abstract thinking is the ability to think about objects, principles, and ideas that are not physically present. It is related to symbolic thinking, which uses the substitution of a symbol for an object or idea. What Is Abstract Thinking? A variety of everyday behaviors constitute abstract thinking. These include: Using metaphors and analogies Understanding relationships [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2474,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"psychpedia.php","meta":{"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13704","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13704","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2474"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13704"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13704\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13704"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}