Integrative thinking is the ability to summarize the main points of an event or story (see Labouvie et all 1982, p 247). Older adults are able to do this to integrate a number of points into a whole or overall understanding of a situation and its' implications. Integrative thinking is mature thinking. It involves placing information into a context and understanding it in a light of what one knows (see Shafer 1980 Main 1987, p 247). It makes for the ability of adults to weave myths and stories of social significance. It is post- formal thought.
Post - formal thought beyond Piaget's four stages - It is thinking that is more complex and takes more factors into account. It is the ability to deal with uncertainty, inconsistencies, contradiction, imperfection and compromise.
Post - formal thinking - more than one point of view on a matter. Where as immatured thinkers are polarized into one point of view and when angered blame others. Mature thinkers are more flexible. Polarized thinkers excel on problems where there is a definite answer.
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