Links between Theory of Mind and Executive Function: Towards a More Comprehensive Model

• Authors: Putko Adam
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

This paper addresses the problem of relationships between the development of theory of mind (ToM) and executive function (EF). An overview of empirical findings leads to the conclusion that the complex picture of the relations between EF and ToM development may result from the intertwining of different types and levels of reciprocal influences. It is, on the one hand, the level of emergence-type vs. expressive-type influences, and, on the other hand, direct vs. indirect ones. Data from longitudinal and training studies suggest the asymmetry of reciprocal influences between EF and ToM, with the stronger impact of EF on ToM development, which supports the view that EF is a prerequisite of ToM development. A model is proposed that explains how different EF and ToM skills are involved in the specific types and levels of influences. The issue of disentangling in the analysis the different types of reciprocal impacts is also discussed.

Keywords

EN

EMERGENCE ACCOUNT; EXECUTIVE FUNCTION; EXPRESSION ACCOUNT; THEORY OF MIND

Discipline

• PSYCHOLOGY: PSYCHOLOGY

• Publisher: Polska Akademia Nauk
• Journal: Polish Psychological Bulletin
• Year: 2009
• Volume: 40
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 1-7
• Document type: ARTICLE

Contributors

author

Putko Adam

• Adam Putko, Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza, Instytut Psychologii, ul. Szamarzewskigo 89, 60-568 Poznan, Poland

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Identifiers

CEJSH db identifier

10PLAAAA075413

DOI

10.2478/s10059-009-0010-6