What cognitive ability is evaluated when a client explains proverbs like "Don't cry over spilled milk"?

The ability to explain proverbs like "Don't cry over spilled milk" is indicative of abstract thinking. This cognitive ability involves the capacity to understand and interpret ideas that are not directly tied to concrete objects or experiences. Proverbs often convey underlying messages or lessons about life that require one to think beyond literal interpretations.

In this case, the saying implies that dwelling on past mistakes is unproductive, thus leading to broader interpretations of resilience and acceptance. A client who can explain this proverb demonstrates the ability to grasp these deeper meanings, showing their proficiency in abstract thought. Concrete thinking, in contrast, focuses on direct, literal interpretations without the ability to generalize or find deeper significance, which is not applicable here. Rational thinking relates to the ability to think logically and make decisions based on reason, but it does not specifically address the comprehension of abstract concepts. Tangential thinking refers to a thought process that veers off-topic, which does not pertain to the evaluation of understanding proverbs.

Thus, the correct answer is the recognition of abstract thinking as the cognitive ability being assessed through the interpretation of proverbs.