Final answer:
During adolescence, one's ability to process career information is characterized as a part of cognitive and psychosocial development, which empowers them to make informed career decisions as they build a strong sense of identity and explore various personal characteristics and external factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
One's ability to process career information during adolescence is characterized as cognitive development and psychosocial development. Adolescents, typically between the ages of 12 and 18, experience significant physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes. They develop greater self-awareness of the personal characteristics, external factors, and available resources that contribute to making informed career decisions. This period marks the transition from concrete thinking to more abstract thinking, as they start considering multiple points of view, debating ideas, and imagining hypothetical situations.
The concept of identity versus role confusion, as introduced by Erikson, becomes prominent during this period, serving as a foundation for adolescents as they answer the questions "Who am I?" and "What do I want to do with my life?" Success in this stage leads to a strong sense of identity, which is crucial for establishing clear and relevant career goals.
Ultimately, cognitive and psychosocial development during adolescence allows for the exploration and building of identity resources, supporting adolescents in navigating the world of work and making informed career decisions.