Perspective Taking Activities for Young Adults

Young adults 18–24 · Activities · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What is perspective taking and why does it matter for young adults?

Perspective taking is the ability to mentally put yourself in someone else’s position, understanding their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. For young adults aged 18–24, this skill is essential as they encounter new social, educational, and workplace environments that require emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. Being able to understand others’ perspectives helps reduce misunderstandings and conflict while enhancing relationships with friends, family, coworkers, and romantic partners. It also promotes personal growth by encouraging more open-mindedness and self-awareness.

For example, if you disagree with a friend about a decision, perspective taking allows you to consider their reasons and feelings rather than reacting based solely on your own viewpoint. This can lead to more respectful conversations and solutions that work for both. These skills are especially important for young adults as they transition to independence and build their adult identities.

Perspective taking can be developed through intentional practice using targeted activities. These activities vary in length, complexity, and setting but all aim to make perspective taking a natural part of everyday interactions. Some activities are also designed specifically for young adults with disabilities, providing adapted instructions and supports. For a broader foundation, see Perspective Taking Activities for All Ages.

How can role-playing activities develop perspective taking?

Role-playing is an interactive way for young adults to experience others’ perspectives by acting out real-life or fictional social situations. This hands-on method helps participants practice empathy and communication skills in a safe environment.

• Age/grade: 18–24 years
• Time needed: 30–45 minutes
• Materials: Scenario cards or written outlines, optional props like hats or badges
• Steps:

1. Prepare scenario cards that describe situations such as workplace conflicts, family disagreements, or ethical dilemmas. Example: “You are a coworker who disagrees with a new policy; your partner is your supervisor explaining the reasons.”
2. Divide participants into pairs or small groups and assign roles.
3. Encourage participants to stay in character, expressing how their role feels and thinks.
4. After the first role-play, switch roles so each person experiences different viewpoints.
5. Summarize the activity by asking participants how it felt to be in the other person’s shoes.

• Skill built: Empathy, emotional expression, conflict resolution
• Debrief: Use questions like, “What surprised you about the other role?” and “How might this change how you respond in real situations?”
• Adaptation: At home, use family scenarios or events from news stories. For instance, role-play a disagreement between siblings or discuss perspectives involved in a community issue. Using everyday situations makes this more relatable.

This activity works well in classrooms for peer interaction or at home with family or friends.

What storytelling activities encourage young adults to practice perspective taking?

Storytelling encourages young adults to explore different viewpoints by creating or analyzing narratives. This develops empathy and deeper emotional understanding.

• Age/grade: 18–24 years
• Time needed: 40–60 minutes
• Materials: Writing tools, story prompts (printed or digital)
• Steps:

1. Provide a story prompt describing a conflict or event. Example prompt: “Two roommates disagree about shared chores.”
2. Ask participants to write or tell the story from one character’s perspective, focusing on that character’s thoughts and feelings.
3. Then have them rewrite or retell the story from the other character’s viewpoint.
4. Share stories in small groups or pairs and discuss how the story changes depending on the narrator’s perspective.

• Skill built: Empathy, narrative thinking, emotional insight
• Debrief: Ask questions like, “How did your feelings about the event change when you told the story from the other person’s point of view?” and “What did you learn about that person’s motivations or challenges?”
• Adaptation: At home, this can be done as a journaling exercise or family storytelling time. Writing or sharing stories about everyday experiences encourages regular practice.

This activity supports emotional intelligence and helps young adults understand that people involved in the same event can experience it very differently.

How can debate activities help young adults understand different perspectives?

Debating requires considering and articulating viewpoints, sometimes opposing one’s own beliefs. This sharpens critical thinking and enhances empathy by encouraging respect for differing opinions.

• Age/grade: 18–24 years
• Time needed: 45–60 minutes
• Materials: Debate topics, timer, note cards or outlines
• Steps:

1. Select debate topics that are relevant, respectful, and engaging. Example topics might be: “Should college education be free?” or “Is social media more harmful than beneficial?”
2. Assign participants to argue for or against the topic, ensuring some argue the opposite of their usual stance.
3. Allow time to research and prepare arguments, encouraging evidence-based points.
4. Conduct the debate with timed speaking turns, emphasizing respectful listening and rebuttals.
5. Follow with an open discussion about what was learned regarding the opposing viewpoint.

• Skill built: Perspective taking, respectful communication, analytical thinking
• Debrief: Ask, “How did arguing the other side affect your understanding of the issue?” and “Did your opinions change or become more nuanced?”
• Adaptation: At home, debates can be informal conversations with friends or family about current events or ethical dilemmas. This encourages practice in a low-pressure setting.

Debating builds not only empathy but also confidence in expressing ideas and listening to others.

What journaling exercises support perspective taking for young adults?

Journaling is a reflective activity that helps young adults examine situations from multiple perspectives, fostering empathy and emotional insight.

• Age/grade: 18–24 years
• Time needed: 15–30 minutes per session
• Materials: Notebook, journal app, or computer
• Steps:

1. Use prompts such as: “Describe a recent disagreement from your point of view.” “Now write about the same event from the other person’s perspective.” “What emotions do you think they felt? Why?”
2. Encourage honest expression of feelings and thoughts for both sides.
3. Reflect on what changed in your understanding after writing the other perspective.

• Skill built: Self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation
• Debrief: Periodically review entries alone or with a trusted adult. Discuss how perspective taking influenced feelings or conflict management.
• Adaptation: This activity is easy to do independently at home or integrated into classroom assignments.

Journaling helps young adults slow down, think deeply about relationships, and develop empathy as a daily habit.

How can perspective taking activities be adapted for young adults with disabilities?

Adapting perspective taking activities for young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities involves simplifying language, providing visual aids, and allowing more time.

• Break down instructions into clear, step-by-step tasks using simple words.
• Use pictures, symbols, or videos to illustrate emotions and social situations.
• Provide role models or peer buddies to support participation in group activities.
• Emphasize recognizing facial expressions and tone of voice with emotion cards or games.
• Adjust debriefing questions to focus on identifying feelings ("How do you think they feel?") rather than abstract reasoning.
• Offer repeated practice and positive reinforcement to build confidence.

For example, in role-playing, use scripts with clear sentences and practice each line several times before performing. In journaling, allow drawing or using emotion stickers to express feelings. These adaptations ensure inclusivity and meaningful learning.

For detailed approaches, see resources on teaching healthy relationships to adults with intellectual disabilities and managing conflict with friends for young adults with disabilities.

What are examples of quick perspective taking games for casual or classroom use?

Games make learning perspective taking fun and interactive, encouraging spontaneous empathy and listening.

These games can be played at home with family or friends, or as classroom activities to energize group dynamics and encourage perspective taking in a relaxed setting.

How do you effectively debrief perspective taking activities?

Debriefing is a crucial step that helps participants process and internalize what they learned.

• Begin by asking open-ended questions such as:
• “What was it like to be the other person?”
• “How did your feelings or thoughts change during the activity?”
• “What might you do differently next time in a similar situation?”
• Encourage sharing personal reflections and listen without judgment.
• Discuss how perspective taking can help in everyday life—at work, with friends, or in family.
• Highlight the importance of respectful listening and understanding.
• When working with young adults with disabilities, focus debriefs on naming emotions and recognizing others’ feelings concretely.
• Use a mix of verbal discussion, writing, or drawing to accommodate different communication styles.

Debriefing can be done in groups or one-on-one and should create a safe space for honest, supportive reflection.

Frequently asked questions

How can young adults with autism practice perspective taking?

Young adults with autism benefit from structured, visual, and concrete perspective taking activities such as social stories, role-playing with explicit scripts, and emotion recognition games. Repetition and clear, step-by-step instructions help build their understanding. Support from therapists or educators experienced with autism can provide additional tailored strategies.

Can perspective taking improve conflict resolution skills?

Yes. Perspective taking allows individuals to understand others’ feelings and motivations during conflicts, which reduces misunderstandings and emotional reactions. This understanding fosters calm dialogue, compromise, and collaborative problem-solving, key elements of effective conflict resolution.

What if someone struggles to empathize during these activities?

Struggling with empathy is common and can improve with practice. Starting with simple tasks like recognizing and naming emotions helps build a foundation. Gradual exposure to more complex scenarios, patience, and supportive feedback encourage growth. Professional help from counselors or educators can offer personalized techniques.

How often should young adults practice perspective taking?

Consistent practice is most effective. This can look like short daily journaling, weekly group or family activities, or integrating perspective-taking questions into everyday conversations. Ongoing practice helps make empathy a natural habit.

Are there online resources or apps that support perspective taking?

Yes, many apps and online programs offer exercises in empathy, social skills, and perspective taking designed for young adults. These may include interactive scenarios, emotion recognition training, and reflection prompts. Look for platforms that align with your learning style and needs.