At what developmental stage do children typically become more capable of abstract thinking?

Children typically become more capable of abstract thinking during the formal operational stage, which is characterized by the ability to think about abstract concepts and engage in logical reasoning. This developmental stage, according to Jean Piaget, starts around the age of 12 and continues into adulthood. During this phase, individuals can work with hypothetical situations and consider possibilities that go beyond their immediate experiences. They also develop the capacity for deductive reasoning, allowing them to solve complex problems and think critically.

In contrast, the other developmental stages focus on different cognitive abilities. The concrete operational stage, which generally occurs between ages 7 and 11, is more about logical thinking applied to concrete objects and experiences. The preoperational stage, from approximately ages 2 to 7, is characterized by symbolic thinking but limited logical reasoning and abstraction. Lastly, the sensory motor stage, which spans from birth to about 2 years, focuses primarily on learning through sensory experiences and motor actions, lacking the capacity for abstract thought entirely.