What is the difference between abstract and concrete thought? How did the world of narrative help patient Rebecca cope with her inability to comprehend abstract ideas? Psychologist Oliver Sacks discusses his patient Rebecca in his book The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. Due to an intellectual disability, Rebecca struggled to comprehend abstract thought yet she excelled at writing poetry because of her understanding of narrative. Here is what Oliver Sacks had to say about abstract and concrete thought and the amazing story of Rebecca.
The Psychology of Abstract vs. Concrete Thought










