Abstract thinking skills

Adolescents develop the ability to think about things that can’t be seen, heard or touched.

Examples include;

• being able to recognise patterns in shapes
• being able to think about the concept of numbers in general
• understanding the significance of political lobbying
• understanding the relationship between distance and time  

Abstract thought allows thoughts about concepts such as faith, love, trust, beliefs and spirituality and the nature of human existence.

Adolescents may spend time looking outwardly and may become interested in bigger issues. This may cause them get involved with actions and causes that have a deeper meaning for them. This contrasts with the selfishness that can also be seen and shows just how unpredictable adolescence is.