CHAPTER 18: EMERGING ADULTHOOD COGNITION

Postformal Thought Cognitive Flexibility Dialectical Thought Adult Moral Reasoning Affects of College

Postformal Thought

5th stage of cognitive thought Characterized by problem finding rather than problem solving Considering all aspects of a situation Focused on real occupational and interpersonal demands where conclusions and consequences matter Figure out what options are and then act

Subjective and Objective

Subjective thought arises from the personal experiences and perceptions of an individual Objective thought a kind of thinking that follows abstract impersonal logic Mature thought involves an interaction between the objective and the subjective (personal & the practical)

Cognitive Flexibility

Knowledge that each persons perspective is one of many, and that each problem may have many potential solutions Adult thinking requires flexible adaptation to deal with difficulties that arise over lifespan Cognitive advancement depends more on experience, training, and personal traits than on age

Solutions to an everyday problem

67 year old mans doctor has told him to take it easy because of a heart condition. Its summertime and the mans yard needs to be mowed, but the man cannot afford to pay someone to mow the lawn. What should he do? Come up with as many suggestions as you can think of.

Dialectical Thought

The most advanced cognitive process, characterized by the ability to consider a thesis and its antithesis simultaneously and to thus arrive at a synthesis. Makes possible an ongoing awareness of the pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, possibilities and limitations. Few, if any, or lifes most important questions have single, definitive, correct answers Cultural influences the use of dialectical thought

Adult Moral Reasoning

Taking responsibility for ones own actions is the marker of adulthood over reaching a certain age, completing college, or having a job I learned how to love and relax, what was important in life, and that there is more than one right way to do things. Moral thinking influenced by college, parenthood, intimate relationships, jobs, victimization, exposure to different lifestyles, psychotherapy, serious illness, global issues, immigration, popular culture, etc.

Moral Reasoning

List some moral dilemmas/issues that concern you (can be personal and/or global) Choose one and use a dialectical approach to look at both sides of this moral issue. How do you deal with this moral dilemma (or how do you think it should be dealt with)?

Effects of College on Cognition

Most who attend college increase their wealth and health, but also have higher cognitive functioning Helps make students less inclined to seek absolute truths from authorities and more inclined to make their own decisions based on dialectical thought