Cognitive development theories, especially those by Jean Piaget, help us understand how teenagers change in their thinking and behavior. During their teenage years, many teens reach the formal operational stage. This means they can think in more abstract ways and use logic to solve problems. This is quite different from when they were younger, and their thinking was more straightforward.

Key Ideas

1. Schemas: These are like mental boxes that help us organize and understand information. For example, a teenager might have a schema for "friendship" that changes as they make new friends and have different experiences.

2. Assimilation: This happens when new information fits into our existing schemas. For instance, if a teen discovers a new kind of music, they might add it to their idea of what "good music" is.

3. Accommodation: This is when our schemas change to include new experiences. If that same teen realizes that not everyone likes the same music, they may change their idea of "good music" to include different tastes.

Changes in Behavior

Because of these changes in thinking, teenagers might show:

• More Independence: They start to think for themselves and question rules set by adults.
• Better Problem-Solving Skills: They become more capable of thinking about the consequences of their actions.
• Stronger Emotions: They may show their feelings more strongly as they learn to deal with complicated social situations.

In short, the way teenagers develop their thinking really impacts how they see the world and interact with other people!