Health Library

Cognitive Development

Children ages 6 to 12 usually think in concrete ways (concrete operations). This can include things like how to combine, separate, order and transform objects and actions.

Adolescence marks the beginning development of more complex thinking processes (also called formal logical operations). This can include abstract thinking and the ability to form their own new ideas or questions. It can also include the ability to consider many points of view, compare or debate ideas or opinions, as well as consider the process of thinking.

Typical Cognitive Changes During Adolescence

During adolescence (between 12 and 18 years of age), the developing teenager gains the ability to think systematically about all logical relationships within a problem. The transition from concrete thinking to formal logical operations happens over time. Every teen progresses at their own rate in developing their ability to think in more complex ways. Each person develops their own view of the world. Some teens may be able to apply logical operations to schoolwork before they are able to apply them to personal problems. When emotional issues come up, they can add an additional level of complexity for an adolescent's cognitive reasoning. The ability to consider possibilities, emotions and facts may impact decision-making in positive or negative ways.

Some common features indicating growth from simpler to more complex cognitive development include:

Early Adolescence

During early adolescence, the use of more complex thinking is focused on personal decision-making in school and home environments. This can include:

• Begins to show use of formal logical operations in schoolwork.
• Begins to question authority and social norms.
• Begins to form and verbalize their own thoughts and views on a variety of topics. These are usually more related to their own life, such as:
• which sports are better to play
• which groups are better to be included in
• what personal looks are desirable or attractive
• what parental rules should be changed

Middle Adolescence

The focus of middle adolescence often includes more philosophical and futuristic concerns. Examples may include:

• Often questions and analyzes more extensively
• Thinks about and begins to form their own code of ethics (what do I think is right?)
• Thinks about different possibilities and begins to develop their own identity (who am I?)
• Thinks about and begins to consider possible future goals (what do I want?)
• Thinks about and begins to make their own plans
• Begins to think long term
• Begins to consider how to influence relationships with others

Late Adolescence

During late adolescence, complex thinking processes are used to focus on less self-centered concepts and personal decision-making. Examples may include:

• Increased thoughts about global concepts such as justice, history and politics
• Develops idealistic views on specific topics or concerns
• Debates and develops intolerance of opposing views
• Begins to focus thinking on making career decisions
• Begins to focus thinking on emerging role in adult society

Fostering Healthy Adolescent Cognitive Development

To help encourage positive and healthy cognitive development in teens:

• Help them get enough sleep, hydration and nutrition
• Include them in discussions about a variety of topics, issues and current events
• Encourage them to share ideas and thoughts with adults
• Encourage them to think independently and develop their own ideas
• Help them in setting their own goals
• Encourage them to think about possibilities of the future
• Compliment and praise them for well-thought-out decisions
• Help them in reviewing any poorly made decisions