SYMBOLIC THINKING: CHARACTERISTICS, EXAMPLES, APPLICATIONS - PSYCHOLOGY - 2025

The symbolic thinking is the ability to represent reality using this abstract concepts such as gestures, numbers and words. Its acquisition is one of the most important points in the development of children according to theories such as that of Jean Piaget. Normally, it is considered that it can be started to use from 18 months of age.

The first evidences of the use of symbolic thought have to do with the use of signs and symbols that are used in a habitual way to refer to objects, events and behaviors. For example, a young child who wants water might make a gesture similar to raising a bottle to his mouth to ask for it.

However, the greatest exponent of symbolic thinking is language, a capacity that allows us to refer to all kinds of elements that are not present through the use of words. In fact, with language we can transcend reality and think in abstract terms, for example by using concepts like "love" or "happiness."

Abstract thinking therefore allows us to reflect on the past, plan the future and understand the present reality. The development of this capacity was fundamental at the level of the history of our species, and its acquisition completely changes the way in which children understand the world and relate to it.

characteristics

Next we will see some of the most important characteristics of symbolic thinking, both generally and based on the situations in which it can be observed.

Basic characteristics

As the term itself indicates, symbolic thinking refers to the ability to use symbols or signs to represent elements that are not directly present in reality. At a more advanced point, this ability is also used to be able to manipulate and reflect on abstract concepts, which cannot be observed through the senses.

Before developing symbolic thinking, children are "trapped" in the here and now. It has been found that, for those under the age of 18 months, when a person goes out of their field of vision, they consider that they have completely ceased to exist. The same happens with the rest of the objects and elements of its environment.

On the contrary, with symbolic thinking, children acquire the ability to relate elements that are apparently different, and use it to express themselves and understand the world around them more effectively.

In-game features

Play is one of the most important activities in childhood, but not only at the entertainment level, but also at a cognitive and developmental level. Therefore, when talking about symbolic thinking, it is impossible to do so without also mentioning the effect it has on the game.

When a child enters the stage of symbolic thinking, the way he plays changes completely. Thus, after 18 months, she will begin to use an object to represent another that is not present. For example, the child may use a broom like a sword, or a towel like a superhero cape.

At a more advanced level, even children are capable of pretending to be other fantastic people, animals or elements. In this way, they can explore reality without having to live all imaginable experiences on their own, which is very helpful in their cognitive development process.

In communication

Symbolic thinking can also manifest itself in much more concrete ways. Once they begin to acquire the ability to speak, children begin to use signs (the words and gestures they reproduce) to refer to concrete objects and people. At first, these signs will be little specialized, but later they become more and more complex.

For example, when learning to speak, a child may use the word "bread" to refer to all types of food that he observes. Little by little, however, he will begin to discriminate between different classes, and to learn the names of each of them.

Still later, the ability to use symbols becomes even more abstract, allowing the child to think about elements that cannot be found directly in reality. In the more advanced stages of development, the person can even use other elements, such as music, painting or mathematics to represent reality.

Examples and applications

The concept of symbolic thinking is quite broad and complex, and therefore it can be difficult to understand at times. Therefore, below we will see some examples of situations in which this capacity is being used.

In the game

One of the most typical childhood activities is what is known as "pretend games." During them, the children act as if they were someone else, imitating what they think they would do if they were in a specific situation.

For example, a girl may act like a doctor and "examine" her dolls, going so far as to order them to take imaginary medicines or use a toy stethoscope on them.

Although this behavior may seem irrelevant from our adult point of view, in reality the symbolic thinking that is being used here is extremely useful for the player.

In mathematics

Symbolic thinking can also be used in much more advanced ways, in such a way that it allows us to understand reality at a much deeper level than we could achieve without it. One of the areas where this is easiest to observe is in mathematics.

To be able to perform really complex mathematical operations, such as in algebra or in integral calculus, it is necessary to understand concepts that cannot be observed through the senses and to learn to substitute some concepts for others not directly related to them.

In art

One of the clearest expressions of symbolic thought is art. When we paint a picture, play a song or perform a play, what we are really doing is using seemingly random elements to represent different aspects of the reality around us.

This is especially notable in some advanced artistic currents, especially modernist and postmodernist ones, and those that use abstract techniques to capture reality. For example, in painting, surrealism could be considered as one of the greatest existing expressions of symbolic thought.

In speech and writing

But we don't have to go that far to find clear examples of symbolic thinking. If there is an activity that is especially based on this skill, it is undoubtedly speech. When we use language, we are reproducing random sounds and associating them with a series of meanings that we want to convey to another individual.

This is one of the main reasons why it is so difficult to acquire a new language: to do so, we have to memorize a complete list of new symbols that can be used alternatively to express the meanings we have in mind.

Something similar happens with writing. In this area, instead of resorting to spoken sounds, symbols become forms (also completely arbitrary) that we have adopted by consensus to convey our thoughts and ideas.

Of course, there are many other symbol languages, such as traffic signs, the colors of a traffic light, or music notation. However, speech and writing are two of the aspects in which symbolic thinking is most used.

Activities to develop it

Despite the fact that symbolic thinking tends to develop spontaneously in children if they are in a healthy environment and interact with other people, the truth is that on many occasions it can be useful to carry out activities that help them to work on this capacity explicitly.

Here are a number of activities that can be used to accelerate the development of symbolic thinking in children.

Play role plays

Role plays, also known as "pretend", are those in which the participants act as if they were other people, animals or creatures of any kind. Typical examples are "doctor and patient", playing "being cooks" or "being superheroes."

Although, as we have already seen, children tend to start these types of games spontaneously, it can be very beneficial for the adult to get involved in them or even propose them directly. Thus, the little one can strengthen his symbolic thinking in a fun and safe way.

"I see I see"

The "I see - I see" is one of the oldest children's games that exist, and many generations have used it to entertain their children. However, what not many know is that this seemingly absurd activity helps children to develop their symbolic thinking.

When a child plays "I see - I see", he not only has to observe his environment, but he also has to be able to think about the characteristics of the objects that the clue-maker chooses. This ability is essential for the development of the ability to think in symbols.

References

1. "Symbolic Thought: Play, Language, and Critical Concepts" in: Pearson Prentice Hall. Retrieved: October 04, 2019 from Pearson Prentice Hall: wps.prenhall.com.
2. "Symbolic Thought" in: Encyclopedia. Retrieved on: October 04, 2019 from Encyclopedia: encyclopedia.com.
3. "Symbolic Thought in Children: 6 Exercises" in: You Are Mom. Retrieved on: October 04, 2019 from You Are Mom: youaremom.com.
4. "What Is 'Symbolic Thought' in Child Development?" in: Live Strong. Retrieved on: October 04, 2019 from Live Strong: livestrong.com.
5. "Domain 4: Symbolic Thought" in: Illinoise Learning Project. Retrieved on: October 04, 2019 from Illinoise Learning Project: illinoisearlylearning.org.