Strategic thinking is intrinsic to societal expectations in adulthood, but the ability to think strategically develops in childhood and adolescence. This columns studies how children learn to think strategically. The results show that strategic behaviour is multifaceted, and depends on a network of interacting abilities that develop gradually. Understanding how the development of these underlying abilities impacts the development of strategic thinking is important to assess how children and adolescents react in their own environments.
Strategic thinking – the intrinsic ability to anticipate actions and act accordingly – is a cornerstone of rational decision-making. It is required to predict and internalise future choices in inter-temporal decisions, and to best respond to anticipated moves of others in games of strategy. This ability is of paramount importance in our day-to-day lives. It guides us through our education and career choices and helps us avoid being manipulated by others or suffering abusive relationships.
Strategic thinking is not only important to make adult decisions, but it is also critical in the day-to-day decisions of children and adolescents.
- How to avoid risky options?
- How to react to an abusive ‘friend’ or a bully?
These are all too common questions that children and adolescents have problems addressing. A natural explanation is that young brains are not developed and that thinking abilities required to strategise are not yet in place. However, little is known about their development.
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I was thinking as I was reading this that I, along with many of my friends with mental health issues, have problems with this business of strategic thinking.
I think a lot of it has to do with consequences in relationships. I learned that putting my hand on the hot stove *hurt* but I did not realise that allowing someone to walk me home would lead to … [take your pick of possible hurts resulting from this action].
And so on and so forth!!
Perhaps this also explains my inability to play chess or bridge or, indeed, any game which requires at least as certain amount of “if … then”.
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