Final answer:
Adolescents demonstrating a propensity to ponder their own thought processes tend to be engaging in metacognitive thought, a sign of advancing cognitive development which includes abstract thinking and sophisticated problem-solving.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an adolescent has an increased tendency to think about thought itself, it is an indication of their own metacognitive thought. This level of thinking reflects the adolescent's developing cognitive abilities, including the capacity for abstract thought and the competence to understand complex concepts and problem-solving strategies.
During this stage of development, teenagers often demonstrate a renewed egocentrism, pondering over their own thoughts and experiences deeply.
They might contemplate their identities in the social context, which aligns with Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, particularly the stage focused on identity versus role confusion. Adolescents are also able to engage with hypothetical scenarios, debate various topics, and question established norms, showcasing their evolving thought processes.