Abstract:Theory of mind (ToM) refers to the ability to make inferences about mental states. Thus far, little research has examined ToM development in middle childhood. Importantly, recent studies have distinguished between making inferences about beliefs (cognitive ToM) and emotions (affective ToM). ToM has also been associated with executive functioning, though research on the differential relations between cognitive ToM and affective ToM and specific components of executive functioning is scarce. The current study examined advanced cognitive and affective ToM in 8-to 11-year-olds (N = 168). Working memory, inhibition, and set-shifting abilities were also assessed. Results showed that, in this age group, cognitive ToM increased significantly with age, and combined cognitive and affective ToM trendwise increased with age. All three domains of executive functioning (EF) showed age-related improvement. Inhibitory control and verbal IQ significantly predicted cognitive ToM, whereas verbal IQ predicted affective ToM. These results suggest that cognitive and affective components of ToM are distinguishable and may be differentially related to EF.

中文翻译：

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认知和情感心理理论与中年儿童执行功能的关系

摘要：心理理论（ToM）是指对心理状态进行推断的能力。到目前为止，很少有研究检查中年儿童的ToM发育。重要的是，最近的研究区分了关于信念（认知ToM）和情绪（情感ToM）的推断。ToM还与执行功能相关联，尽管对认知ToM和情感ToM与执行功能特定组件之间的差异关系的研究很少。本研究检查了8至11岁儿童（N = 168）的晚期认知和情感ToM。还评估了工作记忆，抑制力和设定转移能力。结果表明，在这个年龄组中，认知ToM随年龄增长而显着增加，并且认知和情感ToM的组合随年龄增长而呈趋势增长。执行功能（EF）的所有三个领域都显示出与年龄有关的改善。抑制性控制和言语智商可显着预测认知ToM，而言语智商可预测情感性ToM。这些结果表明，ToM的认知和情感成分是可区分的，并且可能与EF有差异。