What Is Concrete Thinking Versus Abstract Thinking?
For some people, "black and white" or "extreme" thinking is the norm. The ability to think in this way, which many know as concrete thinking, may help someone make decisions effectively in their everyday life. Concrete thinking can also cut through the complexities around an issue to help you possibly find solutions – or help with mental health challenges like intrusive memories. However, "black and white thinking" can also be a form of cognitive distortion, which may be unhealthy, depending on the context.
While there may not be a "right" or "wrong" way of thinking, better understanding your tendencies and thought patterns may help you enhance your relationships. Understanding the different types of concrete thinking, supportive strategies to address it, and the role that therapy may take in restructuring it can be beneficial if concrete thinking has caused challenges in your life.
What is concrete thinking?
Concrete thinking or concrete reasoning is often regarded as a literal form of processing information that exists in the physical world.
Difficulty changing plans or routines
People who think concretely may find it difficult to conceptualize abstract ideas or thought patterns; this tendency might be perceived as stubbornness or inflexibility by others. In addition, literal thinking may sometimes impair one's ability to:
- Make decisions
- Create solutions
- Solve problems
- Understand figurative language
- Deconstruct complex ideas
For example, consider someone who always cleans their home on Thursdays, never swaying from this routine. An emergency may occur on Thursday, disrupting the person's regular pattern and routine. As a result, this person may struggle to do anything else until their house is clean, even if the emergency needs immediate attention.
Difficulty understanding metaphors and figurative language
It may come as no surprise that concrete thinkers often find it challenging to understand metaphors, similes, and other forms of figurative language. They tend to think of language in terms of its literal meaning. These types of thinkers may also find it difficult to understand symbols or sarcastic language, even after they are explained by a teacher or mentor.
Thinking in extremes
A person who thinks concretely may often think in extremes. It can be difficult for them to understand any information that doesn’t relate to the concrete details of a situation. They may also find it hard to acknowledge the gray areas of certain circumstances. This concrete thinking strategy can be perceived as dogmatic and may negatively influence relationships because it can make compromise challenging.
However, there are times when the concrete thinking process can be helpful and effective in moving someone through a situation. Learning about differences in thought-processing styles and the range in which humans can experience cognition can lead to a more empathetic and understanding environment for those of all tendencies and processing styles.
Concrete versus abstract processing: A comparison
One of the opposite forms of concrete thinking is abstract thinking, also known as abstract or conceptual reasoning. Unlike a concrete thinker, an abstract thinker can often process philosophical concepts and imagine ideas that may not be physically present or observed by the senses. People with the ability to think abstractly may better understand the theories behind actions, complete theoretical math problems, or engage in creative endeavors.
Abstract thinkers can utilize this way of thinking to solve problems throughout their lives. Because they may be able to use their abstract reasoning skills and imaginations in different ways compared to concrete thinkers, people who think abstractly may be able to show empathy more easily.
However, human thinking may not be 100% abstract or concrete because the world is not black and white. Often, people experience a spectrum of thought that varies in different settings, as well as with different physical objects and stimuli. One person may be a more concrete thinker, while another may be a more abstract thinker. Depending on the situation, you may fall somewhere in the middle. How you process your thoughts can be comprised of factors related to biology, genetics, and life experiences.
How concrete thinking develops
Many people know how to think concretely if the setting calls for it. For many, concrete operational thinking develops between the ages of seven and 11. Around this time, children can learn how to think and perform mental operations using concrete thought. They may begin to understand that an object can be the same in many forms, even if cut in half or quartered (a form of thinking that builds on the concept of object permanence that emerged earlier in life). This way of thinking can contribute to motor skills development and problem-solving abilities needed throughout school and life.
Is concrete thinking holding you back?
If the development of abstract thinking is hindered or a person’s thought processes tend to be primarily concrete by nature, they may experience specific difficulties associated with using concrete thinking as a dominant form of thinking. Difficulties associated with a concrete thinking style may include the following:
- Difficulty changing plans last minute
- Difficulty making last-minute plans
- Difficulty seeing someone make changes in their personality
- Doing things in the same way every day; challenges changing your daily routine
- Difficulty understanding gray areas; seeing many situations as "all negative" or "all positive"
Conversely, if you are prone to more abstract thinking, you may struggle to remain grounded or see specific areas of life in a concrete manner.
How concrete thinking affects daily life
People who think concretely may experience challenges in daily life. These obstacles could affect their performance at work, school, or during leisure activities like reading or playing word games.
Communication and writing challenges
Many aspects of language call for conceptual reasoning, which may cause misunderstandings among those who tend to think more concretely. Specifically, concrete thinkers may have trouble with:
- Interpreting figures of speech (e.g., idioms, metaphors)
- Recognizing sarcasm in speech or writing
- Connecting meaning to hypothetical descriptions
- Conceptualizing imaginative ideas
Interpreting instructions and expectations
Generally, concrete thinkers may be good at following instructions, provided they are logical and refer to tangible tasks such as putting together a piece of furniture or working on an automobile engine. Instructions that are vague or abstract may pose more difficulty. For example, concrete thinkers may fall short of expectations when asked to write about their feelings or provide a detailed description of an imaginary place.
How to develop abstract thinking skills
In some cases, concrete thinking may be a sign of a neurological or developmental disorder, like autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, or dementia. Those experiencing autism spectrum disorders and other neurological conditions may need different assistance to address concrete thinking patterns and may need to consult with their doctor.
For others dealing with concrete thinking patterns, shifting your thought process may provide relief and comfort. This is often done by attaining a balanced way of thinking that adopts more of a spectrum between concrete and abstract thinking rather than a linear model. The following tools and supportive strategies may help you shift your thought patterns and experience a higher quality of life as you navigate communication and life challenges.
Challenge yourself
Instead of completing your routine as you've completed it in the past, you may try changing it slightly. It can be challenging to develop a new routine, and it may seem counterproductive. However, you might notice that you enjoy the new routine more or can find a more flexible or efficient way to get through your day.
You could also consider why other people make different choices than you with similar activities. For example, observe someone else completing a task in a way that's different from your approach. Ask yourself what in their approach might work for them and how it might benefit you. Self-reflection may offer growth and development of thought processes and styles.
Discuss your experience with your loved ones
Concrete thinking may affect your relationships at times. If you'd like to change how your thinking impacts others, consider discussing it with the people you love and trust. Let them know how you plan to make changes, and ask them for their advice and feedback.
Read about cognitive restructuring
Challenging yourself to learn and understand the concepts and theories behind cognition and cognitive development can help you change your thinking. Tactics like cognitive restructuring are often used in therapeutic modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy to help clients change their thoughts if they're experiencing cognitive distortions like "black and white" thinking. These concepts may be challenging to learn at first. However, if you have trouble understanding them, a cognitive-behavioral therapist may be able to support you as you learn.
Try a therapy group
RO-DBT is a therapy explicitly founded for those experiencing concrete thinking as a symptom of a mental illness like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). Radically-open dialectical-behavioral therapy (RO-DBT) focuses on how individuals can become more open to unique, spontaneous, and open-minded thought patterns. Each group participant may receive an RO-DBT workbook with worksheets and ideas to cope with common symptoms associated with black-and-white thinking and other concrete thought-related challenges.
one or more self care & clinical tools
Seek therapeutic support
For additional support in understanding how concrete thinking affects you, your relationships, and your life, you may choose to seek an in-person or online individual counselor. A counselor may teach you tools to help you recognize concrete thinking and develop and strengthen abstract thinking skills if applicable.
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Find your matchOnline therapy to address abstract and concrete thought patterns
If you are working to find new methods of cognition as a concrete thinker, it may be challenging to physically leave the house to seek support as it might interrupt your routine. In these cases, online therapy through an online counseling provider like BetterHelp may allow you to receive convenient and flexible services via a smart device in your own home. Your counselor can also be available via in-app messaging for additional support in more challenging moments, should you need it. This type of flexibility may be unavailable in specific in-person therapeutic formats.
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Takeaway
What does it mean if a person is a concrete thinker?
A concrete thinker, or literal thinker, is someone who tends to take information at face value, focus on the present information, or someone who prefers clear information. Unlike concrete thinkers, abstract thinkers tend to think more conceptually or philosophically.
People who are concrete thinkers may tend towards black-or-white thinking and have difficulty relating to others, telling jokes, or speaking figuratively. While many adults possess the capacity for both concrete and abstract thinking, it’s common for people with intellectual disabilities, dementia, brain injuries, or autism spectrum disorder to think more concretely.
What is the difference between abstract and concrete thinking?
Both abstract and concrete thinking are types of thought processes. Concrete thinking is a type of reasoning that relies heavily on sensory experiences or what is observable in the immediate physical world. Abstract thinking, on the other hand, is more conceptual or theoretical.
What is an example of concrete thinking in real life?
Examples of concrete thinking include believing that when someone says the meeting will be “a piece of cake,” they mean that dessert will be served, or they may think someone saying, “I’ll be done in a sec,” means that they’ll literally be done in a second.
While concrete thinking is not always beneficial, it can help people reach conclusions more efficiently and focus on practical applications. It can be particularly useful in independent roles and supervisory jobs.
What is an example of concrete thinking for kids?
During cognitive development in childhood, concrete thinking develops before abstract thinking. Examples of concrete thinking may include going to a furniture store and looking for any couch, whereas abstract thinking may be more likely to consider the dimensions, color, and style of the room where the couch will go. Additionally, people who think concretely may think that someone saying, “Susan is a busy bee,” means that Susan is literally a bee rather than a person who’s very busy.
What causes concrete thinking?
In adults, a primarily concrete thinking style could be caused by various conditions, including:
- Schizophrenia
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Dementia
- Brain injury
What is the opposite of concrete thinking?
Generally, the opposite of concrete thinking is abstract thinking, also known as conceptual reasoning. Many people’s thinking styles exist on a spectrum from concrete to abstract.
Why do concrete thinkers struggle with metaphors and sarcasm?
Metaphors and sarcasm may pose challenges for concrete thinkers because these forms of communication are based on theoretical or imaginative concepts and aren’t always rooted in something tangible.
Is concrete thinking related to autism or ADHD?
Yes. Concrete thinking is strongly correlated to autism spectrum disorder. It can also be prevalent among people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These conditions may also be associated with other challenging behaviors and predispositions.
Can concrete thinking affect social relationships?
Yes. People with a primarily concrete thinking style may have trouble picking up on social cues; thus, they may find social interactions awkward. For example, they might not realize when someone is making a joke or being sarcastic. Some other types of communication, such as talking about one’s feelings, may be difficult as well, which could negatively impact relationships.
Can therapy help improve abstract or flexible thinking?
Yes. Certain types of therapy can be particularly effective for shifting thinking styles, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and applied behavioral analysis (ABA). You can explore options with a therapist.
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