Theory of Mind Reasoning and its Relationship to Executive and Social Functioning in 10-Year-Olds

Theory of mind (ToM) is the ability to make inferences about mental states, though little research has examined ToM development in middle childhood. Recent studies have distinguished inferencing about beliefs (cognitive ToM) and emotions (affective ToM). ToM has also been associated with executive and social functioning. The current study examined advanced cognitive and affective ToM in 10-year-olds (N = 56) using false-belief and irony tasks. In addition, working memory, inhibition, and set-shifting abilities were assessed, along with empathy and bullying/victimization. Results show that cognitive ToM is more advanced than affective ToM in this age group. While cognitive false-belief was positively associated with inhibition and set-shifting, irony comprehension was negatively associated with these executive functions. Finally, affective false-belief was associated with less instances of bullying. Taken together, cognitive and affective ToM may develop at different rates and be differentially related to functioning.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Clinical Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Graduate Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Cassetta, Briana

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Goghari, Vina

• Psychology--Clinical
• Psychology--Cognitive
• Psychology--Developmental

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/28266

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:11023/1592